Sport Ministry injects $3M into EDFA League
Apr 13, 2025
Kaieteur Sports- The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, through the National Sports Commission (NSC), has committed $3 million in sponsorship to the East Demerara Football Association (EDFA) for its upcoming senior league, set to kick off on May 1.
Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, presents a $3M sponsorship cheque to EDFA President Rickford Profitt for the Association’s senior league, kicking off May 1.
The announcement was made during a brief but impactful presentation at the Ministry’s boardroom on Main Street.
Competing teams include Haslington, BV/Triumph, Plaisance, Golden Stars, Buxton Stars, Melanie, Victoria Kings, Airy Hall Stars, Buxton United, Mahaica Determinators, and Mahaicony Western Lions.
The winning team will take home $500,000, with second, third, and fourth-place finishers earning $300,000, $200,000, and $100,000 respectively.
Individual accolades include $50,000 and a trophy each for the Most Valuable Player, Highest Goal Scorer, and Best Goalkeeper. The Best Coach will receive $40,000 and a trophy.
Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle presented the sponsorship cheque to EDFA President Rickford Profitt and members of the executive committee.
Ninvalle highlighted that the NSC is proud to support a league hosted at several recently upgraded venues on the East Coast, part of the Commission’s Ground Enhancement Programme.
“We believe it’s our duty to support initiatives like this, in line with His Excellency President Irfaan Ali’s ‘One Guyana’ vision,” Ninvalle said. “This support isn’t limited to EDFA; we’ve extended similar partnerships to other regional associations, including the Georgetown Football Association. The Ministry remains committed to working with all football stakeholders nationwide.”
He highlighted that the NSC’s ongoing dedication to sports development in Guyana, calling the investment in the EDFA League a clear demonstration of that commitment.
Ninvalle also commended the Association for organizing the tournament, which will run through the end of July.
In response, Profitt expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry and the NSC, calling the support a significant boost for football on the East Coast.
“We’re thankful not only for the support but for the full sponsorship of the league,” Profitt said. “It’s a proud moment, and I’m honoured to be part of this initiative to uplift football within the EDFA.”
He added that the Ministry’s enthusiastic response to their proposal reflects its strong commitment to football development. Profitt also acknowledged the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to rehabilitate football grounds across the East Coast and shared that further upgrades are expected, as assured by Minister Ramson.
“We’re not yet where we want to be, but with this level of support, especially from the Ministry, we’re confident we’re on the right path,” he said. “This sponsorship will go a long way in helping us raise the standard of football in East Demerara.”
The EDFA League will feature clubs from across the East Coast, with matches played at upgraded venues now meeting improved standards thanks to the Ministry’s interventions.
Profitt noted the competition will also serve as a platform to scout new talent and strengthen club football along the East Coast, aligning with the national goal of elevating the sport throughout Guyana.
(Sport Ministry injects $3M into EDFA League)
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