Like so many other events – sporting, educational and otherwise – the 2020 edition of the Pele Alumni Corporation’s Youth Development Seminar in Guyana has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to two Pele Football Club Alumni Directors, Patrick ‘Labba’ Barton and Dennis Ivor Carrington, plans were already underway, but not too advanced for this year’s activity but had to be cancelled for one year due to the coronavirus which has locked the planet down.
“We have made the decision to cancel our 2020 Youth Development Seminar due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our plans for our July 2021 , Pele Football Club 50th Anniversary celebration continues in conjunction with the 2021 Youth Development Seminar,” both Barton and Carrington informed.
They also indicated that while many would be disappointed that the programme will not come off this year, “All can be assured that next year’s edition which would be the fourth such programme, would be even more exciting as it would coincide with the Pele FC 50th anniversary.”
The annual two-day Educational Development Programme would usually target young players (male and female) and is aimed at empowering them to overcome poverty by building their confidence, self-esteem and ambition, through the power of sports and education.
Seven years prior to 2019, the Pele FC Alumni Corporation made a huge impact on the Guyanese community with its sponsorship of annual youth soccer/educational tournaments.
But after a review, the Directors of the entity decided to change focus by providing educational opportunities for youth soccer players primarily, who are in need of non-cash support as they pursue their academic endeavors. Players from other sports have also been included.
Over 100 students benefitted last year with over 10 lap tops among the many educational materials distributed during the two-day programme which was held at the St. Joseph’s High School. They participants were also taken on educational tours to the Parliament of Guyana and Banks DIH, Thirst Park operations.
Carrington re-iterated that the goal of the annual Youth Development Programme is to teach adolescents the right skills whilst enabling them to understand the requirements and responsibilities considered necessary in preparation for life and living after high school while incorporating the capability and independence to care for themselves.
