Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Georgetown Championship launched
- kick-off set for March 15th
Following a four-year hiatus precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the eventual unavailability of venues, the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Georgetown edition was officially launched on Friday evening.
The launch ceremony occurred at the Girl and Jerk Bar on Cummings Street and South Road and was attended by several officials from Banks DIH Limited and representatives from the competing teams.
The eight-day championship will commence on March 15th at the National Park, Thomas Lands. The other playing dates are March 16th, 17th, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 30th, and 31st. All matches will be held at the National Park.
Each team will comprise a maximum of seven players and a minimum of four players. Every match will be 30 minutes in duration, which comprises two periods of 15 minutes in normal time. Extra time will consist of two periods of 4 minutes.
In excess of $1,500,000 in prizes will be distributed to the eventual top four finishers and plate champions.
Lee Baptiste, Guinness Brand Executive, stated that the resumption of the Georgetown championship is a momentous occasion as it is the birthplace of street football, and the focal point locally of the format.
According to Baptiste, Georgetown will serve as the starting point for this year’s season and will provide momentum for the other impending zones leading into the national championship, which is penciled to commence in August following the conclusion of the other meets.
Questioned if he is concerned that the event might lose some of its quality if club players are not allowed to participate by the local federation, Baptiste revealed that the tournament was never intended for club players, who simply gravitated to the competition due to its popularity.
He further noted that the event is a community-oriented platform and that new players will always emerge, adding that the participation of club players will not be denied or discouraged by the organisers.
Meanwhile, tournament coordinator Rawle Welch thanked the public for their patience following a lengthy hiatus in the most populous and competitive region, adding that the anticipation for the competition is at an all-time high. He implored the competing communities and the overall public to support the tournament, which has also served its initial purpose of fostering relations and promoting social harmony.
2024 Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Georgetown Elimination Fixtures
Friday – March 15th
19:00hrs: Alexander Village vs Rising Stars
19:45hrs: Sophia vs Bent Street Young Gunners
20:30hrs: Festival City vs Laing Avenue Ballers
21:15hrs: North East La Penitence vs Ballers FC 22:00hrs: Gold is Money vs Renegade All-Stars
Saturday – March 16th
19:00hrs: Broad Street vs Make it Happen
19:45hrs: California Square vs Sophia B
20:30hrs: North Ruimveldt vs Street Ballers
21:15hrs: Albouystown vs Airport Ballers
22:00hrs: Back Circle vs Stabroek Ballers B
Sunday – March 17th
19:00hrs: Up Top Boss vs Lodge All-Stars
19:45hrs: Tiger Bay vs
Middle Road Ballers
20:30hrs: Bent Street vs Tucville Rangers
21:15hrs: Stabroek Ballers vs Bad a Yard
22:00hrs: Leopold Street vs Unstoppable
22:45hrs: Sparta Boss vs Back Road Ballers