GFF and RCC bring healing through football in Mahdia

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF), in partnership with the Rights of the Child Commission (RCC), successfully hosted the four-day ‘From Pain to Purpose: Football for Healing and Development Initiative’ in Mahdia, Region Eight.

The June 12-15 forum used football as a tool for healing and community development following the tragic Mahdia dormitory fire in 2023.

The initiative focused on equipping local leaders, creating safe spaces for children, and establishing sustainable football structures in the Region.

Some key activities included the training of 13 local referees in match management and child sensitive officiating, as well as a Coaches Education Programme that equipped local coaches with grassroots coaching skills and child safeguarding approaches to working with children.

A highlight of the programme was the ‘From Pain to Purpose’ Football Festival, which brought together more than 50 children from Mahdia and surrounding communities for a day of fun, participation, and connection.

Newly trained referees and coaches played active roles in delivering the festival, reinforcing the message that sport can foster joy and resilience.

To ensure lasting impact, GFF engaged community leaders, club representatives, and the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) in establishing an Interim Management Committee (IMC) to guide the creation of a Region Eight Football Association.

Discussions were also held with the RDC and Mahdia Secondary School regarding participation in the ongoing Blue Water Shipping Girls Under-15 Championship 2026, with emphasis on transportation, safety, and child protection.

Through this initiative, GFF and RCC continue to demonstrate the transformative power of football not only as a sport, but as a catalyst for healing, hope, and sustainable development in communities.

Looking ahead, the Federation plans to further strengthen football development in Region Eight.

These include the establishment of a steering committee to guide the formation of a regional association, expanded referee training in districts such as the North Pakarimas, coach education programmes, and child safeguarding training to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all participants.

(GFF Press Release)