The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday last in an effort to promote football across the nation.
The signing, which was held in the Boardroom of the GFF, was done by Wayne Forde – President of the GFF and Nigel Williams – Editor-In-Chief of the Guyana Chronicle.
The MoU paves the way for a weekly production by the GFF featuring football-related news and events; the first production will be on Friday, 4th November, 2016.
Additionally, it provides for the establishment of an infomercial strip which carries football fixtures, Leagues’ points standing and activity schedules twice weekly during the football season and weekly during off-season; the facilitation of stand-alone promotional flyers placed between the pages of the Chronicle for distribution when necessary and the provision of comprehensive and consistent coverage and publication prominence of key football matches and tournaments.
In brief remarks, Forde said: “Today marks a symbolic accomplishment/achievement for the Guyana Football Federation. Football, over the years, has not enjoyed the opportunity to have its programmes/plans strategically located within the network of our print press. We saw it fit to engage the Guyana Chronicle (which) is traditionally a strong paper but I think with the presence of football, will be even stronger. Over the next couple of years, we will be very active in the development of sports and will lay a lasting and sustainable foundation; one of the key objectives is to bring the Guyanese public along with us for a ride and the only way we can achieve this is to have our plans/programmes properly reported.”
Williams stated in response: “The Guyana Chronicle is in a phase of rebranding and changing the face of the newspaper and we thought this is a good opportunity to reach out…we recognise that as a state-owned newspaper we play a big role in promoting the game, helping young people to find alternatives rather than getting involved in crime and other unfavourable activities. We think this is a good opportunity and we will do all in our powers to honour this agreement and to ensure whatever we sign on to is executed.”
President Forde said that the Guyana Chronicle was chosen as the newspaper of choice as “this is an opportunity to build and grow together. It would have been an easy decision to work with a media house that has a high level of saturation with the readership in Guyana but …both entities are growing, Guyana Football Federation and Chronicle, so I think it’s fitting that we partner and take this journey together.”
Ian Greenwood, Technical Director of the GFF, who was also at the signing, said the partnership is a fantastic opportunity for both parties.
“Over the next four years, there will be a massive improvement in all football programmes so we need your support to get as many people involved.” He noted that there will be an increase in football played across Guyana – school, grassroots, female football – as well as coaches’ education.
Other staff members witnessing the signing included Mr. Akash Persaud – Marketing Coordinator (Guyana Chronicle) and on behalf of the GFF, Mr. Trevor King (General Secretary a.g) and Mr. Dario McKlmon (Marketing Director).
Photo caption: Nigel Williams (left) and Wayne Forde
