GFF to host workshop for Elite League and ATC coaches

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) will this weekend commence a four-day ‘Physical Preparation In Football’ workshop for Elite League and Academy Training Centre coaches.

The physical conditioning training programme will be held on June 10 and 11, and then again on June 17 and 25 between 09:00h and 16:00h at the GFF National Training Centre in Providence, East Bank Demerara.

It will be facilitated by GFF Fitness Coach Wilson Toledo.

“With one of the key objectives being to improve game preparation and performance at academy and elite club levels, the timely workshop will focus on physical evaluation, training loads, volume and intensity, energy sources and training methods,” the GFF said in a press release.

GFF Technical Director Bryan Joseph said the programme fills “a void that exists in the football fraternity for competence in physical preparation at Elite levels. While physical preparation is directly linked to elite performance, the level of planning and detail that is required to attain the appropriate levels require specific attention.”

He added that “this aspect of preparation is not delved into on basic confederation licence courses therefore we are providing our coaches with the general hand-rails to enhance this pillar of the game.”

Academy Training Centre coaches will attend the course on June 10 and 17, while Elite League coaches and trainers’ sessions will be on June 11 and 25.

Other key objectives of the training programme, Joseph explained, are to “provide our coaches that are coaching at the highest levels locally, be it the Elite League or national teams, with the hand-rails to guide how they approach this important pillar of football development. We have a greater plan to create specialised programmes for coaches who may have a specific passion for physical preparation for football. This programme will be aligned to our Coach education pathway and will come into effect after attaining a CONCACAF/National “B” licence.”

Senior Men’s National Team Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz fully supports the initiative, noting that it will eliminate guesswork regarding the physical conditioning of players.

“This course is a huge step in getting the clubs to take responsibility in the player development process. The knowledge gained will eliminate a lot of the guesswork and the “Hit and Miss” approach to team preparation,” Shabazz said.

The GFF, under President Wayne Forde, continues to invest heavily in the development of players and supporting staff through strategic training programmes sanctioned by FIFA and CONCACAF to ensure the advancement of the game at all levels. (GFF)