Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne Forde on Friday launched the much anticipated Summer Grassroots Programme with the distribution of key equipment to the nine Regional Associations through the Member Financial Assistance Programme (M-FAP).
At a simple ceremony at the GFF National Training Centre, Providence, East Bank Demerara, President Forde stressed that the Federation’s ultimate goal is to increase the number of players countrywide by ensuring young boys and girls have access to training programmes throughout the year.
“This is important in the mandate of the Guyana Football Federation with the ultimate aim to increase the population of our players. History has taught us that when a child is introduced to football at a very tender age, they go on to love that game and to serve the game. We want to see more young boys and more young girls playing football across this country,” he said.
“Through our M-FAP programme you are now receiving unprecedented support from all the programmes that you need to execute in your respective jurisdictions.”
The grassroot programme is geared to increase the number of young boys and girls playing the sport (Photo: GFF/July 28, 2023)
The GFF’s Grassroots Summer Programme will kick off in August in Bartica, Linden, Berbice, Essequibo and Georgetown. President Forde will be visiting various regions over the four-week period.
GFF Technical Director Bryan Joseph added that the grassroots sessions will be fun, but young players will also learn about the fundamentals of the game.
“The grassroots programme represents the foundation of everything we do. We cannot produce senior national team players if we are not focused on having structured grassroots sessions.”
He also encouraged parents to register their children for sessions which will focus on agility, balance and coordination.
Bartica Football Association (BFA) President Alden Marslowe thanked the GFF for organising “another wonderful initiative.”
“This initiative is geared at strengthening…grassroots development. Without the root the tree will eventually die and so it’s important to cultivate the culture of football into our children so that we can have…continuous development.”
East Bank Football Association (EBFA) President Orein Angoy said: “When it comes to grassroots, I always tell all the coaches on the East Bank if we lose the grassroots we eventually lose footballers. We need the grassroots to replace the older ones.”
He added: “I think it is a great initiative and I would like to thank them for coming on board with us and supporting the East Bank when it comes to football and grassroots.” (GFF)
