By: Delwin Neblett | HGP Nightly News |
Vurlon Mills Football Academy Heads to Trinidad as President’s Futsal Championship Intensifies
Guyana’s youth sports continued to make strong strides this week, with young footballers, chess players, and cricketers representing the Golden Arrowhead regionally and internationally, while major competitions progressed at home and abroad.
Vurlon Mills Academy Heads Overseas
The Vurlon Mills Football Academy’s Under-11 and Under-13 teams departed Guyana on Thursday for Trinidad and Tobago to compete in the 2025 Onboard Challenge Cup, scheduled for December 11–12 at the Eddie Hart Grounds, Orange Grove Savannah.
The traveling contingent comprises 30 players—boys and girls—along with five staff members. According to the academy, the tournament is one of the most significant events on its annual development calendar, providing critical exposure while helping to shape the confidence, discipline, and competitive growth of its young athletes.
Officials described the overseas experience as a key step in preparing players for higher levels of regional competition.
President’s Futsal Championship Heats Up
Action resumed on Thursday in the 2025 President’s Futsal Championship at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, featuring schoolboys’ round-robin clashes and senior knockout fixtures.
In schoolboys’ action, St. John’s College secured a commanding 4–1 victory over St. Joseph’s High, while Charlestown Secondary edged Westminster Secondary 2–1. South Ruimveldt Secondary impressed with a 3–1 win over the VYC Academy, and Central High delivered a dominant 6–0 performance against Bishop’s High.
In the senior knockout segment, Make It Happen edged Spaniards 3–2, while Ballers United advanced via walkover against the Victoria Eagles. Corinthians produced a strong showing, defeating Madrid Ballers 4–1, with Wellington Santos netting a brace and Cordel Hazel and Ravi Coates adding goals. The night concluded with Espanyol securing a hard-fought 4–2 victory over Port Kaituma.
Tournament action continues tonight at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall in Georgetown.
Guyana’s Young Chess Players Head to Puerto Rico
Guyana’s youth chess contingent is preparing to compete at the 20th Central American and Caribbean Youth Chess Festival, scheduled for December 14–21 in Dorado, Puerto Rico.
The team includes Kyle Couchman, Candidate Master Sachin Pitamber, Woman Candidate Master Aditi Joshi, Nicholas Zhang, Abel Fernandez, Kataleya Sam, and Vir Narine. Competing under the supervision of Tanya Clement, the delegation will represent the Guyana Chess Federation across age categories ranging from Under-10 to Under-18.
U-13 Cricketers Set for Barbados Clash
In cricket, Guyana’s National Under-13 team is set to face Barbados in the first of five 40-over matches on Saturday at the Lusignan Community Centre Ground, with play scheduled to begin at 10:00 hrs.
Coached by Ameer Rahaman, Kumar Bishundial, and Clive Holder, the Guyanese side will be led by talented wicketkeeper-batter Lomar Seecharran, with Sahid Gajnabi serving as vice-captain. The squad also features Nathaniel Ramkhelawan, Timothy Ramdat, Afraz Ali, Makai Dowlin, Afraz Khan, Fayyad Baksh, Ashton Collins, Deshawn Ramnauth, Adrian Emmanuel, Jasani Craig, De Marcus Thomas, and Jaden Ganpat.
The series offers an important opportunity for Guyana to assert its strength at the youth level.
New Zealand Clinch Test Victory Over West Indies
Meanwhile, international cricket action concluded in the second Test between the West Indies and New Zealand at the Basin Reserve in Christchurch, with the hosts securing a commanding nine-wicket victory on Day Three to take a 1–0 lead in the three-match series.
Resuming on 32-2, the West Indies were bowled out for 128 in 46.2 overs, with Kavem Hodge top-scoring with 35, and Justin Greaves adding 25. Jacob Duffy was once again outstanding for New Zealand, claiming 5 for 38.
Chasing just 56 runs, New Zealand reached 57-1, with Devon Conway and Kane Williamson remaining unbeaten on 28 and 16 respectively, sealing an emphatic win.
