Football officiating gets nationwide boost with new referee development programme

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has kicked off its referee development programme for 2025 with a well-attended introductory course, demonstrating a strong commitment to ensuring the game is well-officiated across the country.

The three-day workshop, which began in Georgetown on Friday, will conclude today (April 13).

Spearheaded by the GFF’s Referee Department, the course has attracted participants from all corners of Guyana, including significant representation from traditionally underrepresented hinterland regions such as Lethem in Region Nine and communities in Regions Two (Essequibo), Three, Five, and Six.

Head of the GFF’s Referee Department, Lenval Peart, hailed the course as a resounding success, noting the encouraging levels of interest from both male and female participants. “The Guyana Football Federation Referee Department has consistently worked to increase the pool of referees,” Peart stated.

“We’ve also seen a significant rise in the number of women wanting to become part of the officiating team, which indicates that our football landscape is becoming safer and more inclusive for females.”

Peart emphasised the GFF’s strategy to support the game at every level. “We want to continue to expand our pool of referees to meet the growing demand for officiating across the country.

This course represents a nationwide recruitment drive, with individuals travelling from as far as Lethem and Essequibo, alongside participants from Regions Five, Six, and, of course, Region Four.”

The workshop has drawn participants from diverse professional backgrounds, including members of the Guyana Defence Force, teachers, and individuals from other public service sectors.

Notably, the Guyana Football Association (GFA) also sent a representative, highlighting the increasing trust and collaboration between regional associations and the national Federation.

“This course has been a real success, our first for 2025, and we’re planning at least two more before the year is out,” Peart affirmed.

“This group of participants shows a real desire to reach the highest levels, and our role is to continue to teach them and share our knowledge.”

President of the Guyana Football Federation, Wayne Forde, also praised the widespread participation, particularly highlighting the increased interest from indigenous communities.

“We are extremely proud to see the increased interest from indigenous participants in this year’s introductory course,” Forde said.

“This level of involvement clearly demonstrates that our investment in community-based football development is yielding positive results. These young men and women will not only contribute to raising the standard of refereeing in their home regions but will also serve as important role models and agents of change.

Their involvement will ensure football becomes an even more unifying and empowering force in indigenous communities and across Guyana as a whole.”