The third edition of the Santa Youth Holiday Championship will get underway on Sunday, July 12, at the Santa Community Field, with China Town FC taking on Spartacus FC in the opening fixture of what organisers describe as a bigger and more inclusive competition.
The annual tournament, sponsored by sports promoter Chi Chinda Chindo Mitterrand Francois, has grown into one of Santa Subdivision's major holiday sporting events, providing young people with a platform to showcase their talents while encouraging positive engagement during the long school vacation.
Speaking during a preparatory meeting with representatives of participating clubs in Santa, the President of the Organising Committee and representative of the donor, Nji Nelson Chefor, said the championship is designed to keep youths actively engaged during the holidays while identifying and promoting emerging sporting talent.
He announced that this year's edition has been expanded to include men's and women's handball as well as women's football, marking a significant departure from previous editions that focused mainly on men's football.
"This competition is about giving more young people the opportunity to participate, compete and develop their talents," he said, adding that the organisers are committed to making the championship more inclusive each year.
Beyond the sporting activities, Chefor disclosed that the tournament sponsor has initiated the construction of two boreholes, one at Barrack Santa and another at Hausa Quarter. The projects, expected to be completed before the end of the tournament, are intended to provide a lasting benefit to the community, particularly for residents who may not be directly involved in the competition.
Participating teams will compete for a total cash prize of 2.5 million FCFA, in addition to individual awards that will recognise outstanding performances during the championship.
Chefor urged players, club officials and supporters to observe discipline, respect competition rules and promote fair play throughout the tournament to ensure a peaceful and successful event.
Earlier, the Secretary of the Organising Committee, Marshal Ngwashi, reviewed the achievements and challenges recorded during the second edition. While acknowledging the progress made, he called on all stakeholders to contribute to an even more successful competition by promoting peaceful coexistence, respecting elders and tournament officials, and avoiding the spread of misinformation and fake news.
The meeting ended with the draw for the group stage. Pool A comprises Al Hilal FC, Landmark FC, Pinyin FC, Reborn Stars FC and Mile 12 FC, while Pool B features Catalyst FC, Spartacus FC, China Town FC and Akum FC.
Organisers also announced that six handball teams have already registered for the competition, with registration remaining open until the weekend to accommodate additional interested clubs.
With an expanded sporting programme, increased prize money and a community development component, organisers believe the third edition of the Santa Youth Holiday Championship will further strengthen youth participation in sports while promoting unity and social cohesion across the subdivision.
By Neba Jerome Ambe
