Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Member Associations, Affiliates and Elite Clubs representatives on Sunday attended a Finance Governance Workshop, which made clear the necessary compliance process for obtaining funding through the Members Financial Assistance Programme (M-FAP) in 2024.
The March 3 one-day session, which was held at the Guyana Olympic House in Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, also provided participants with an understanding of the FIFA Forward Programme.
It was facilitated by FIFA Consultant Lance Cummings and GFF Accountant Marco Meredith.
Discussions focused on the criteria for securing funding, including the completion of the club licensing process and he maintenance of current financial records, along with the GFF budgetary plans for 2024.
GFF President Wayne Forde, in brief remarks, stressed that both member associations and clubs must adhere to compliance standards to access funding.
“The introduction of M-FAP is to aid clubs and associations in achieving their developmental goals, with the ultimate aim of nurturing widespread growth. Therefore, it is imperative that all levels adhere to compliance standards for the genuine professionalisation of football in Guyana.”
It was President Forde who introduced the groundbreaking M-FAP programme in 2020 with the full endorsement from Congress.
The initiative extends support to GFF members in four essential areas: Administration and Operations; Equipment and Material; Competition and Technical Development; and Infrastructure Development.
The primary goal of FIFA Forward is to cultivate and enhance football on a global scale, ensuring that the sport can achieve its maximum potential in every country.
This is accomplished through the provision of comprehensive, tailored funding, and technical assistance to member associations and confederations.
FIFA Consultant Cummings noted that it was important for participants to share their ideas and opinions in “the football federation’s budgeting process. It’s not like the Federation is preparing a document to submit for approval to Congress, but it’s really getting Congress involved more at this level.”
GFF Accountant Meredith noted that “in the past three years, the GFF has distributed millions of dollars in equipment to associations and clubs, along with preparatory grants for the initiation of regional senior leagues throughout Guyana.”
Ten elite clubs are presently competing in the KFC Elite League, which commenced on February 25 at the GFF National Training Centre in Providence, East Bank Demerara.
The nine Member Associations are gearing up for the launch of their Senior Men’s League.
Among those present at the workshop were members of Bartica Football Association, Berbice Football Association, East Coast Football Association, Essequibo/Pomeroon Football Association, Georgetown Football Association, Upper Demerara Football Association, and the Women’s Football Association. Elite football club representatives were defending champions Guyana Defence Force, Guyana Police Force, Fruta Conquerors, Den Amstel, Buxton United and Santos. (GFF)
