Blue Water Shipping U15 Girls’ national school championship expands to Hinterland Schools

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF), in partnership with Blue Water, officially launched the 2025 edition of the Blue Water Shipping Under-15 Girls’ National Secondary School Championship today at the National Training Centre (NTC) in Providence. 

This year’s edition of the highly anticipated youth football tournament will target 91 secondary schools across all regions of Guyana, with 61 already confirming their participation. Notably, the tournament will expand its reach to include the Mabaruma District for the first time, with three schools from that region set to compete. This expansion forms part of the GFF’s ongoing commitment to broadening access to football for girls, especially in hinterland communities. 

GFF President Wayne Forde, speaking at the launch, emphasised the importance of leveraging the school system to build a sustainable foundation for women’s football. “We do not have the infrastructure at a club level, so with this competition we’re trying our best to target the schools. Recognising this need, we’re developing all-female football programs at a youth level in the schools,” he stated. He also expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Education for its continued partnership, adding, “Thank you to the Minister of Education and her Ministry. Thank you for the continued support.” 

The tournament, which is scheduled to kick-off on Saturday, May 3, 2025 and will see participation across all administrative regions, with the exception of one. In a move to strengthen community engagement and increase visibility of girls’ football, the GFF has announced that, for the first time, the Round of 16 will be hosted across multiple regions—specifically Regions 2, 3, 5, 10, and Georgetown—rather than at a centralised location. The final phase of the tournament will be held at the NTC in Providence. 

Tournament Coordinator Lavern Fraser highlighted the shift in format, noting, “We’re bringing the game closer to the girls and their families. This community-based approach is about fostering local pride and making sure the girls feel supported.” 

Blue Water Shipping, the title sponsor, has once again reaffirmed its commitment to youth development and the advancement of girls’ football in Guyana. Senior Vice President of Sales and Development, Richard DeNobrega, who attended the launch, expressed his enthusiasm for this year’s championship. “We love to see the exposure and opportunity for these girls to showcase their talent,” he said. “Last year we were super excited, super happy, and super committed to ensuring that the tournament is a success, and we’re even more excited to see the success in 2025.” 

DeNobrega also reflected on the tangible results of the past edition of the tournament, referencing the recent CONCACAF Under-17 Girls’ Qualifiers. “It was exciting to see some of the girls that competed at that international level had played in last year’s edition of the Blue Water U15 competition and were scouted directly from the tournament,” he noted.  

“We want to see more goals and more girls being developed to shine on the international stage,” he added. 

Beyond its sponsorship of the U15 championship, Blue Water Shipping continues to invest significantly in Guyana’s football infrastructure, including its support for the construction of the Blue Water Shipping Stadium at Durban Park. 

The 2025 Blue Water Shipping U15 Girls’ Championship promises to be more inclusive and impactful, giving girls from all across Guyana - including the most remote communities - an opportunity to pursue their passion and showcase their potential on a national platform.