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Standard Chartered Bank has today launched the 7th edition of its famous Standard Chartered Cup – futsal tournament at a press conference held at its Headquarters at Speke Road.
The international 5 aside football tournament that is hinged on the Bank’s Liverpool FC sponsorship, and was won by Steel & Tube Industries Ltd last year, will once again offer football fans a ‘Money Can’t Buy’ opportunity to travel to the UK to attend an English Premier League match.
The 7th edition winners will get an opportunity to watch the highly contested Liverpool Vs. Arsenal Match which is scheduled to take place on Saturday 10th May 2025.
While addressing journalists at a press conference, the Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered, Sanjay Rughani said: “Liverpool FC is one of the world’s best-known football clubs and we are proud to be associated with them. It is a fantastic club that shares many of our values and is hugely popular across our global footprint and in Uganda.”
He added: “Our partnership has provided valuable support to our brand, promoting charitable initiatives that are close to our hearts like our Future makers programme and has helped us to further engage with our clients and LFC fans. We are excited to roll out the SC Cup tournament off the back of this strong partnership and look forward to building on our successful relationship with our corporate companies.”
The SC Cup Steering Committee Chairperson John Mwesigye while addressing the press noted that the Standard Chartered Cup tournament provides the Bank with a platform to actively engage, reward and motivate the bank’s clients, further growing the support for Liverpool F.C locally and promoting a fun-filled, interactive, sporty and memorable event.
This year, 40 teams of 7 players (participants) each, will play 10-minute 5-aside matches (with 2 substitutes). The teams will comprise of the Bank’s Corporate, SME Banking entities, Liverpool F.C fans and media partners and participation is strictly by invitation.
Edgar Watson, CEO, FUFA and Edgars Youth Programme while delivering the keynote address expressed confidence in having the experience and capacity to handle the technical aspects of the futsal tournament, having managed it from inception in 2015.
“We have a competent team of game officials and Technical Committee that will ensure fairness and professionalism in this competition through verification of the players to guarantee that no professional players participate,” he said.
He added: “Even though this a fun 10 minute, 5-aside tournament, it tends to be very competitive due to the grand prize so participants are urged to train well to cope adequately.”
The 40 teams will be grouped in eight groups for the group stages and the group games will be played on a round robin basis. The top two in each group will advance to the round of 16, and the winners will go on a knockout format advancing until the final.
The Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing Ms. Margaret Kigozi Namulindwa while unveiling the technical aspects of the tournament reiterated that for companies to qualify, they will need to undertake the validation exercise by providing a letter from their company’s Human Resources department, confirming the employment status of each of the registered players and copies of their IDs within the registration deadline which is Friday 30th August 2024.
“Registration will be on a first come, first serve basis for the 40 teams. Workmates, families and friends are welcome to attend and watch the local tournament that will take place on 7th September 2024. In the spirit of diversity and inclusion, we encourage teams to have female players as this is an amateur and fun tournament and meant to reward employees.” She concluded.
Below are the important dates:
- Friday 16th August 2024 – SC Cup launch and opening of Team registration.
- Friday 30th August 2024 – Teams registration closes
- Wednesday 04th September 2024 – Team draws press conference.
- Saturday 07th September 2024 – Tournament at KCCA Grounds
- Date to be advised – Sendoff press conference.
- Date to be advised – Travel to UK