Vurlon Mills Football Academy completed a historic double on Sunday after defeating Buxton All Stars FC 4-2 in the final of the Guyana Football Federation’s U15 Youth Ensemble National Championship at the National Training Centre, Providence.
Captain Joshawn Haynes led VMFA’s title-winning performance with two goals, while Brandon Parks and Fabio Kowlessar also found the back of the net. Malik Sobers and Yao Roberts scored for Buxton All Stars, but VMFA maintained their advantage to secure the championship.
The victory added the U15 crown to the U13 title recently won by the academy during the inaugural Youth Ensemble programme.
Earlier, Region Nine representatives Challengers FC edged Friendship FC 4-3 in an entertaining third-place playoff. Kadoraro Johnny scored twice for Challengers, with Marrison Miguel and Kevon Daniels also getting on the scoresheet. Jermaine Fraser and Tyler Abrams were among the scorers for Friendship.
The final day featured VMFA, Buxton All Stars, Challengers and Friendship competing for the championship and podium positions.
According to the GFF, 134 clubs participated in the national youth programme, with 135 goals scored during the competition. The initiative was established to provide young footballers from across Guyana with regular opportunities to compete and develop at the national level.
GFF President Wayne Forde thanked the nine Regional Associations, clubs, coaches, federation staff and partners for their roles in delivering the programme. He noted that the finalists played 15 matches over five months, providing the youngsters with a significant amount of competitive football.
Forde said the programme was created as a sustainable model for youth development and had gained international recognition. FIFA has identified its potential as a regional case study and committed funding for four years.
He added that sustained investment in domestic youth football was necessary alongside the federation’s support for national teams. The GFF hopes the programme will become the foundation of a stronger national youth competition system.
Forde also acknowledged areas for improvement, including the scheduling and venue of future finals. He said the federation intends to provide a better experience by staging the matches at a venue with lights and avoiding the intense midday heat.
With the U13 and U15 competitions completed, attention will now turn to the U17 phase, which is scheduled to begin on Saturday, September 12. Matches will be played across the East Demerara, Georgetown and East Bank Football Associations.
The U17 division is the third age category introduced during the programme’s inaugural year and is expected to further expand the pathway for young players to compete, develop and progress through Guyana’s youth football structure.
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