Primary school football final to be played at Wildey AstroTurf

The island’s biggest junior football competition is set for a major revamp this year as organisers aim to lift its profile.

For the first time in its 30-year history, the final of the BICO Primary School football tournament will be held under lights at the Barbados Football Association’s (BFA) Technical Centre in Wildey. 

This was revealed by senior coach at the National Sports Council (NSC), Zahir Motara during the competition’s launch on Thursday, who also disclosed that the semifinals will also be held at the venue used to host international matches, as well as the Premier League.

Motara said the changes to the competition, which kicks off on May 12, were designed to enhance its competitiveness and spectator appeal.

“The NSC has introduced a tiered system for all of our events and finals. We will be collabing with the BFA to host a ‘dynamite Final Four’ round of games.”

“We are proud to announce that the semifinals and final will be hosted at the BFA Technical Centre in Wildey. This will provide our young players with a professional environment that matches their talent and dedication. Even more excitingly, the final is scheduled for June 27. We’ll make history as the first time our primary school football final will be played under the lights,” Motara said.

In an effort to increase visibility, Motara said some of the matches would be streamed.

“We will also be putting plans in place to live stream the semi-finals and finals, allowing us to showcase this incredible young talent to thousands of viewers across the region and around the world. It’s a major step in giving our players, our organisation and our sponsors the exposure they deserve,” he maintained.

Motara said over 1100 athletes from 70  primary schools across the island were set to take part in the competition.

He also used the opportunity to thank BICO for sponsoring the event for all but two of its 30 years.

Competition coordinator, Luke St John explained that this year’s competition will be split into eight zones.

They are the Edward Smith and Frank Holder Zone, Dane Alleyne Zone, Dennis Leacock Zone, Reginald Haynes and Victor “Gas” Clarke Zone, Kenville “Cab” Layne Zone, Keith Griffith Zone, Ricardo Mickey Gibson Zone and the Adrian Donovan and Michael Foster Zone.

St John said the competition will feature 280 matches, with the playoffs scheduled to commence on June 10.

Meanwhile, BICO general manager Audley Grimes said the company was proud to partner once again with the National Sports Council to create a platform where young talent can shine, grow and thrive.

“At BICO, we believe our role in the community extends far beyond what we produce. It is about nurturing the future or youth and the spirit of community.”

“This tournament embodies that belief, providing a space for children to develop their confidence, teamwork, and build discipline,” Grimes said.

West Terrace Primary are the defending champions. 

(KH)