“I feel great about the contribution from the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) because throughout my football career I have been supported by the GFF and it’s an honour to have the organisation now help me to further my education and my football ambitions. It’s overwhelming,” said female footballer and coach Shennel Daniels following the presentation of a monetary contribution from the GFF.
The donation, a partial football scholarship to aid her pursuit of a Bachelors in Business Administration and Management at Bryant and Stratton College in the United States of America, was done by President Wayne Forde at the Secretariat’s Boardroom.
Forde said the gesture is part of the GFF’s Strategic Plan.
“One of the key pillars of the plan is to open new opportunities for all of our young players, both males and females. At the moment we have four young footballers pursuing higher education at colleges within the United States of America. Compared to when my Executive Committee started this journey in November 2015, I think it’s a significant achievement, one that we are very proud of,” Forde said.
He added, “We continue to offer as much support as the FIFA regulations and our own lobbying efforts with sponsors and through other partnerships such as the one we have with the International Support Group to ensure that our student athletes are given the best level of support during their journey at these higher education institutions. We know that it will require and demand quite an adjustment from these players so we will continue to offer whatever support from where we are here in Guyana.”
The Fruta Conquerors Forward, who has been playing competitive football for approximately 16 years, said she will represent her college on the field as part of the scholarship, which was facilitated by former national player Kevin Beaton.
“We want to wish those that are studying and those that are about to join them every success and we will continue to support in the months and years to come,” Forde added.
Daniels departed Guyana on September 8 and is scheduled to begin class on September 19.
