Berbice Educational Institute (BEI) won the 2012 edition of the New Amsterdam Primary and Secondary School Foundation (NAPS) Under-17 Inter School Football competition which was played recently for Schools in the New Amsterdam/Canje Districts.
Playing at the All Saints Scotts Church Ground, New Amsterdam; BEI held their nerve to the end to eke out a hard fought win via sudden death penalty kicks over New Amsterdam Multilateral School (NAMS) in the final, following a 0-0 stalemate after full time.
BEI booked their place in the final after a 1-0 triumph over Vryman’s Erven Secondary (VESS), Omari Benton, the player on target. NAMS advanced after whipping Skeldon Line Path Secondary 2-0 through goals from Joshua Sinclair and Lloyd Freso.
In the third place playoff, VESS needled Skeldon Line Path compliments of a Marlon Adonis strike.
For winning the championship, BEI were presented with the NAPS trophy and 15 gold medals while NAMS received the runner up trophy and 15 silver medals. VESS received a trophy for placing third while Skeldon were also presented with a trophy for their fourth place.
On the individual side, Shamar Richards of BEI was named the MVP. Lloyd Freso of Vryman’s Erven Secondary received the prize for scoring the most goals, two. The best goalkeeper accolade went to Leon Loo of NAMS while Antony Lynch of Skeldon received the most promising player prize.
The NAPS Football Foundation is made up of former football players most of whom are overseas from the New Amsterdam/Canje area who would have won the National Inter School competition during their school days.
Some of whom went on to represent Guyana on the International scene on numerous occasions. The group is headed by former National, Roger Alphonso who resides overseas.
The main aim of the Foundation is to assist with the revival and development of Football in New Amsterdam and by extension, East Berbice and generally.
The coordinators of the local chapter are Errol Alphanso, Shurwin and Petra Forde and Neil ‘Grizzly’ Humphrey.
Over the years, NAPS has presented a quantity of football gear and other memorabilia to New Amsterdam youths and schools as well as educational apparel and food items. A number of overseas based and local players have also conducted numerous Coaching and Training sessions throughout the Ancient County.
This year’s tournament was organized by Neil Humphrey, Ike Bowry, Nigel Felix and Randy Sears.