The Guyana Football Federation, the Guyana Tourism Authority and the Tourism Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) have partnered to host FIFA’s Conference on Development from May 14-15.
The Football Federation will be seeking ways to implement a nationwide school football programme.
The conference is expected to have 66 delegates from the Caribbean Football Union and some Africa along with the full body of the FIFA Developmental team.
It for such reasons GFF President Wayne Forde wants to use the forum to push the agenda of School football.
“One of the key areas we will spend over the couple of day deliberating, is a comprehensive school football programme”, Forde stated during a press briefing Thursday at the Marriott Hotel.
He further explained that the motion has been in the pipeline since FIFA President Gianni Infantino visited Guyana in April 2017 when they had a discussion with Caricom Sectary General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque on the extent it can contribute to the development of the region’s football given the importance of identifying talent at an early stage.
In an effort to establish football at Primary and Secondary Schools nationwide, the GFF President stated they have working modalities with FIFA for support in training for the fundamental aspect of the sport.
More so, it was disclosed that FIFA has submitted a draft to Caricom which is being considered by all the members detailing what FIFA is willing to lend assistance in developing the progamme.
Forde also stated, the Federation are hopeful to launch a National Secondary School League to cater for 132 teams. He revealed the support from the Brazil Football Confederation and Denmark are still being finalised but both will hold significant benefits for the country.
Director General at the Guyana Tourism Authority Donald Sinclair and THAG’s President Mitra Ramkumar both stated they are eager to assist in all ways possible to ensure Guyana is present destination for all to come.
Ramkumar, in particular, stated; “You may be wondering how does tourism fit in, but it fits in the sense of MICE tourism [Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions]. Destinations positions themselves as attractive for conferences and seminars.”
He added they will extend the partnership beyond this occasion and hopefully venture into the area of beach football at various resorts.
Delegates are expected to commence arriving from May 13 and depart May 16-17.