Guinness Street Football Challenge kicks off

St Vincent and the Grenadines will be looking to regain the championship of the Guinness Street Football Challenge, as the local segment of the event began here last Friday.{{more}}

The first round of knockout games was played at the Chili Hard Court, Georgetown, and continues in four other venues across the country, including Bequia, ending on May 24.

The finals for the local leg, which will feature five teams, are scheduled for June 22 at the Arnos Vale Hard Court.

The winner of the local Challenge takes home not only bragging rights, but $5,000.00 and a place in the regional finals.

Speaking at a press conference last Tuesday at the St Vincent Brewery Headquarters in Campden Park, Pete Macferlene from Radar, the company responsible for promoting the Guinness brand and the Challenge, said this year’s competition will not only be “bigger” but “more difficult”, as more teams from different countries will be participating.

St Vincent will also host the finals of the Challenge, in which seven Caribbean teams will compete for the championship.

Jamaican dancehall artiste Aidonia will also headline the finals as part of the entertainment segment, which will also feature a cast of local artistes.

Meanwhile, Devon Poyer, representing the SVG Football Federation said the FA “fully endorses” the Guinness Challenge.

He pledged his Federation’s full support, pointing out that his organization’s officials will be involved to ensure adherence to the Challenge rules.

Each team competing in the Challenge is allowed to register seven players, but on the field, the team comprises only four.

The event is expected to have worldwide coverage from ESPN, while negotiations are taking place to have FOX Sports on board, according to the Brewery’s regional commercial manager, Shafia London.(AA)