ExxonMobil Guyana is set to continue its investment in youth development through the third edition of the Future Warriors Tapeball tournament for Primary Schools, an initiative aimed at exposing grassroots talent to cricket across the nation.The tournament, which has grown from its origins in Georgetown to encompass Berbice and Essequibo, will return with an expanded format this year.The Demerara zone is scheduled for June 7-8 at the National Stadium, Providence, followed by the Berbice Zone from June 14-15, and the Essequibo zone from June 21-22.The highly anticipated ‘Champions of Champions’ leg will then culminate in September. This year’s competition sees an increase in participation, with 16 teams per zone, up from 12 in previous editions.Organised by FL Sport, the tournament allows schools the flexibility to field mixed teams, incorporating both boys and girls at their discretion, fostering inclusivity from a young age.A key focus for this year’s tournament is comprehensive player development.Part of the action at the National Stadium on SaturdayParticipants will be exposed to various developmental mechanisms, including national cricketers acting as team mentors during the sessions.Additionally, officers from the Child Protection Agency will conduct sessions, underscoring a commitment to the holistic well-being of the young athletes.Ryan Hoppie, ExxonMobil Guyana’s Community Relations Supervisor, in a recent press engagement with FL Sport, encouraged the young participants to “dream big.”“You might be the next stars of Guyana or West Indies cricket,” Hoppie stated, expressing his hope that the children would leverage this opportunity to develop their talents and forge lifelong friendships.John Ramsingh, Co-Director of FL Sport, is confident that the tournament will be another resounding success, building on the achievements of past editions.He anticipates a rich display of raw talent and hopes the players can smoothly transition into established clubs or more structured cricket programmes in the future.The tournament format will feature eight overs per side, contested on a straight knockout basis.Teams can field 11 players from their squad of 13.A unique incentive sees the top four teams after day one outfitted with new jerseys before returning to play in the finals on day two.Both match days will commence at 09:30h.The organisers are providing bats, balls and transportation free of cost to all participating schools, along with various meals and refreshments throughout the playing days, removing barriers to participation.The winning teams from each zone will be gifted a gear bag filled with tapeball cricket equipment.Crucially, they will also secure a coveted spot in the upcoming ‘Champions of Champions’ tournament.The ultimate winner of this champions’ playoff will gain an exclusive opportunity to be part of activities for ExxonMobil Guyana/Guyana Amazon Warriors during the home leg of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) in September, offering an unparalleled glimpse into professional cricket.Furthermore, the Most Valuable Player from each of the three zones in June is expected to be part of the activities for the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League, which runs from July 10-18.Essequibo’s Huis T’ Dieren Primary are the defending champions of the ‘Champions of Champions’ title, setting the benchmark for this year’s aspiring teams.In Saturday’s quater-final fixtures, defending Demerara champions Stella Maris defeated Ketley Primary by 114 runs.Clyde Jacobs produced a stellar performance scoring 51 not out from 18 balls. His innings features five sixes and four fours.St. Pius got past School of the nations in a close contest. St. Pius won by eight runs with Jeremiah Norton taking 2-6. St. Pius scored 48-5, while Nation’s were contained to 40-3 before the eight overs expired.Meanwhile, West Ruimveldt hammered Providence Primary by nine wickets.Eli Henry picked up 3-6 for the West Ruimveldt to restrict Providence to 23-6 from their alloted overs. West Ruimveldt then reached 24-1 in 3.5 overs.In the last match of the quarter-final, Grove Primary defeated Camille’s Academy by 41 runs.Grove posted 52-6 but Camille’s were bundled out for 11. Roles Melville picked up 6-7.Stella Maris, Grove, West Ruimveldt and St. Pius Primary have progressed to the semi-finals on Sunday.The post ExxonMobil Guyana recommits support to Future Warriors Tapeball for Primary Schools appeared first on News Room Guyana.