The Gros Islet Football League (GIFL) officially launched the annual Guardsman U15 Football Tournament on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at the Saint Lucia Football Association (SLFA) Conference Room. The tournament is scheduled to commence on Saturday, November 2nd, 2024.
The event was attended by parents, coaches, managers, and players from participating clubs, as well as Golden Sports 758 representative Darren Donaie, GIFL President Mr. Shayne Paul, 1st Vice President Mr. Charde Desir, SLFA President Mr. Lyndon Cooper, Platinum Sponsor representative Ms. Ghislaine Codel Charles of Guardsman St. Lucia Ltd and members of the media.
The ceremony commenced with a prayer and the singing of the Saint Lucia National Anthem. Master of Ceremonies Mr. Charde Desir then took the audience on a nostalgic journey through the nine-year history of the Guardsman U15 tournament.
Mr. Shayne Paul outlined the next steps for Guardsman as the GIFL aims to expand the tournament from a Northern Zone competition to a potential nationwide event.
This expansion is already underway, evidenced by the recent addition of Soufriere’s Black Panthers and City Foundation from Roseau Valley.
In a poignant tribute, Mr. Paul honored the late Cassius Glassgow also known as Coach Cassy Boom, who was instrumental in the participation and discussion in this annual Guardsman Tournament.
SLFA President Mr. Lyndon Cooper emphasized the significant role Guardsman U15 has played in nurturing national youth talent over the years.
He pledged the Saint Lucia Football Association’s full support for the tournament and its expansion. President Cooper committed to a threefold increase in financial support for future Guardsman sponsors.
Guardsman representative Ms. Ghislaine Codel Charles expressed her excitement about the tournament and encouraged players to play hard and remain discipline during the tournament. She further pledged Guardsman St Lucia Ltd’s full support for this year’s tournament and looked forward for a well executed tournament by the organizers.
Tournament Format:
Ten teams will be divided into two groups: Group A and Group B. Teams will compete in a round-robin format. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals. A new format will be implemented for the semifinals, with each team playing a home and away match. The aggregate score over both legs will determine the finalists.
Group Stage Draw:
Group A
* Lancers Platinum
* Black Panthers
* Northern United All Stars
* Monchy United FC
* New Generation FC
Group B
* City Foundation FC
* Valley Soccer
* Lancers Gold
* Nyah FC
* GMC United
Semifinals
* A1 vs B2
* B1 vs A2
* Kieron Hippoylte of Monchy United delivered the Vote of Thanks expressing his excitement for the opportunity and encouraged each player to make the most of it in representing their families and communities with distinction.
The talented youth players thanked Guardsman St Lucia Ltd, St Lucia Football Association, Gros Islet Football League and Golden Sports 758 for their commitment towards this tournament.
SOURCE: Gros Islet Football League. PHOTO: Stock image.
