September 7, 2026, Georgetown - Vurlon Mills Football Academy (VMFA) added another championship to its growing list of achievements on Sunday, defeating Buxton All Stars FC 4–2 in an exciting final at the National Training Centre (NTC), Providence, to be crowned the GFF U15 Youth Ensemble National Champions.
The championship final brought the curtain down on a highly competitive national youth football programme that saw 134 clubs participate and 135 goals scored throughout the competition, creating meaningful opportunities for young footballers from across Guyana to compete at the national level. The final day featured four teams, Friendship FC, Challengers FC, Buxton All Stars FC and Vurlon Mills Football Academy, battling for the final podium positions and national championship honours.
The day began with an entertaining third-place playoff between Friendship FC and Challengers FC. The Region Nine representatives secured a narrow 4–3 victory over Friendship FC to claim third place in the U15 Youth Ensemble National Championship. Challengers FC's Kadoraro Johnny led the way with two goals, while Marrison Miguel and Kevon Daniels each found the back of the net. Friendship FC responded through Jermaine Fraser and Tyler Abrams, but Challengers held on to secure the bronze medal.
The championship final then delivered an equally exciting contest, with VMFA eventually overcoming Buxton All Stars FC 4–2 to claim the coveted national title. VMFA Captain, Joshawn Haynes was instrumental in the victory, scoring twice, while Brandon Parks and Fabio Kowlessar each added a goal for the champions. Buxton All Stars FC found the net twice through Malik Sobers and Yao Roberts, but VMFA maintained their advantage through the final whistle to be crowned champions.
Speaking at the finals, GFF President Wayne Forde expressed his appreciation to everyone who contributed to the successful delivery of the programme, highlighting the work of the nine Regional Associations, clubs, coaches, GFF staff and partners in creating sustained opportunities for young players.
“I want to express my gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of these two competitions, from our nine Regional Associations, which mobilised more than 130 clubs and registered players on a national scale, to the clubs, coaches, GFF staff and partners who worked tirelessly throughout the programme. The finalists alone played 15 matches over five months, which represents a significant amount of football for young players.”
Forde noted that the programme was designed as a sustainable model for youth football development and has attracted international recognition, with FIFA identifying its potential as a case study for the region and providing funding for four years.
“This programme was developed as a sustainable model for youth football, with FIFA recognising its potential as a case study for the region and providing funding for four years. That support is critical because, while the Federation invests heavily in national teams, we also need sustained investment in our domestic youth ecosystem. We believe this programme can become the foundation for a stronger youth competition system, and we will continue to learn, refine and improve it.”
While celebrating the success of the competition, Forde also acknowledged opportunities to further improve the experience for participating in future editions, particularly with respect to the scheduling and venue for the finals.
“Already, we know there are areas we can do better next year. One of them is the scheduling of the finals. We want to provide the young players with better experience by using a venue with lights and avoiding the intense midday sun. This is a programme with a long-term vision, and we are committed to building on what we have achieved.”
With the U13 and U15 phases of the Youth Ensemble programme now concluded, attention will immediately turn to the next stage of the competition, with the U17 phase set to kick off this weekend, Saturday, September 12, across the East Demerara Football Association, Georgetown Football Association and East Bank Football Association. The U17 category represents the third level of competition introduced in the inaugural year of the Youth Ensemble programme, further expanding the pathway for young footballers to progress through the national youth competition structure.
With 134 clubs, 135 goals and three age categories being introduced in its inaugural year, the Youth Ensemble programme continues to provide a strong platform for developing Guyana's next generation of football talent. As VMFA celebrates its historic U13 and U15 double, the launch of the U17 phase signals the continuation of an ambitious national youth football initiative designed to provide young players with more opportunities to compete, develop and progress.
