EXTRA TIME - GFF's Monthly Publication

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GREETINGS

CONTACTINFO

Friends, I am pleased to share with you the first edition of the GFF’s monthly newsletter - “EXTRA TIME.” The idea behind this publication was conceived by the Executive Committee to further strengthen our communications across the membership body and with our stakeholders. We believe strongly that open, transparent and timely information sharing is fundamental to the exercise of good governance, and I do trust that you will appreciate the time and effort we have dedicated to this document.

The GFF’s monthly newsletter sets out to highlight those activities, projects, events and programmes that punctuate the strategic journey of the football fraternity. It will attempt to bring to life the meaningful work that is taking place throughout the fraternity, driven by our coaches, volunteers, officials and partners, that oftentimes goes unnoticed.

We welcomed 2020 with a resounding football bonanza - the GFF Super 16 Cup™ on January 1 st at the GFC ground at Bourda. The atmosphere created by our passionate

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fans was a refreshing reminder of the power of football to provide wholesome entertainment and bring people together. I am particularly proud of what we were able to achieve over those two weeks of competition and wish to encourage us all to use the opportunities from this success to recultivate and invigorate the national fan culture in the coming months and years.

The GFF U20 Men and Women’s National Teams kicked off the 2020 international calendar in historic style by producing commanding performances in their respective qualification fixtures.

Though impressive – this was by no means surprising. There has been a consistent progression among our youth national teams in the past four years - a testimony to the GFF’s strong focus and continual investment in youth development. With your indulgence, I wish to attribute these gains to several developments: the GFF’s - and Guyana’s - first FIFA-approved astroturf facility, our strategic alliance with the GFF International Support Group (ISG), the

General Secretary Guyana Football Federation 17 Dadanawa Street Section K Campbelville Georgetown, Guyana

ongoing construction work at the GFF National Training Centre, the impact of the NAMILCO U17 “Flour Power” League, the Pele Alumni “Frank Watson” U15 League and the KFC U20 Cup. Allied with the foregoing were the huge investment made in coaching education and the professionalization of our Technical Department.

Unfortunately, much of our scheduled competitions and development programmes for 2020 have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Football’s governing bodies have cancelled all international fixtures along with other measures aimed at reducing the spread of the virus. We have taken similar steps and will continue to provide guidance and support to our members as the situation unfolds. The health and wellbeing of our community and wider society will always be the most important priority for the GFF.

I would like to close with a strong word of caution about the rapid spread of COVID-19. There is hardly anyone alive who can claim to have experienced what is taking place in the world today. This pandemic

T: (592) 227 8758; 225 0892 E: general.secretary@guyanafootball.org Website: www.guyanafootball.org/

EXTRATIME - The Monthly News Bulletin

represents a serious threat to our way of life and must be taken extremely seriously by every one of us. As your President, I beseech you all, my esteemed colleagues, to treat this disease with the respect it deserves by adhering strictly to the widelycirculated preventative measures.

These measures are designed to not just protect your life, but the lives of your loved ones as well as our entire society.

I wish us all a successful passage through this difficult period.

IN THIS EDITION ATC Refreshers Training Conducted Coaches Education Conducted in Region 1 Senior, Women’s, School football Activities National and International Senior and Youth Football Concacaf Executive Mentorship Programme

Sincerely,

FIFA Visits Guyana Bartica Community Gets Lights Members Financial Support Proramme (M-FAP) Construction Works at GFF’s National Training Centre Wayne Forde

SOCIALMEDIA

President

www.facebook.com/GuyanaFootballFederationInc www.soundcloud.com/guyana-football-federation-inc www.linkedin.com/company/guyana-football-federation-inc/ www.instagram.com/guyana_football_federation_inc/ www.twitter.com/gff_inc_

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TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT

Coaches Go Through The Paces During The ATC Refreshers Training Held At The GFF Training Centre, Providence

ATC REFRESHERS TRAINING

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n an effort to continuously develop the GFF Academy Training Centres (ATCs) and ensure quality control, the GFF has conducted a series of refresher sessions for the coaches attached to the ATCs as well as Development Coaches.

The sessions conducted over four days were geared to, among others, outline expectations of their role in the

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development of the game, management of the content in coaching sessions and adaptation of the Concacaf methodology to how children learn.

The sessions began on January 24 and continued on February 12, 19 and 26 with a total participant count of 19, 14 and 13 on each of the last days respectively.

The GFF Academy Training Centres EXTRATIME - The Monthly News Bulletin

- Guyana’s first nationwide youth development programme - is helping to develop young talent and coaches all over the country, with professional, structured training based on GFF’s Technical Department’s national football curriculum. The programme is building a clear pathway for girls and boys from grassroots level to our national teams.

ELITE LEAGUE PREPARATION

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n preparation for the restart of the GFF Elite League, Season 5, scheduled for March, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) held a one-day refreshers’ workshop for referees, and the Technical Department held an information session for Head Coaches/representatives of Elite Clubs.

The referees’ refresher course was held on February 15 at the National Track And Field Centre, Leonora and there were 21 referees in attendance.

Among the areas covered in the session, facilitated by Member Association Instructors Ingram Johnson, Addullah Hamid and Tyrone Tyrell respectively, were changes to the Laws Of The Game, understanding the Offside and Misconduct rules and the importance of fitness.

Meanwhile, the Technical Referees Who Parrticpated In The Refreshers Course Department held a session with the Head Coaches / representatives of the elite clubs on February 7, which addressed the importance of a pre-season programme. A strong pre-season programme is geared towards ensuring the players are in the right shape to maximise their chances of avoiding injury when the season starts. Injury prevention work is crucial and should form a large part of club training, especially early in the pre-season.

COACHES’ EDUCATION IN REGION 1

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Prospective Coaches Learn New Drills During Region 1 session

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he Guyana Football Federation conducted a two-day Introductory Coaching training at Port Kaituma Community Centre, Region 1, targeting 11 coaches and prospective coaches from the Matarkai sub-Region consisting of five females and six males.

The session was held on February 17 and 18 and was conducted in collaboration with the Matarkai Sub-Region, Region 1, Department of Social Cohesion – Culture Youth and Sport – and the Port Kaituma Tourism Association.

Among the areas covered

by GFF’s Coaches Education Officer Lyndon France and Youth Development 5

Officer Bryan Joseph were: introduction to coaching, principles of coaching, role of coach’s session planning and delivery of session and principles of the game.

The capacity building session is

part of GFF’s Hinterland Development Strategy, which focuses on providing training in coaches’ education, administration and providing equipment to Hinterland Regions.

Following the training, participant Orlando Cupido said he has learned a lot and was especially thankful for the ‘session planning’ topic covered by the facilitators.

CONCACAF NEXT PLAY PROGRAMME FESTIVAL HELD

O Focused Yet Fun: Concacaf Next Play Festival Participant Takes Control Of The Game During Festival Held

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n February 26 from 10:00hrs, the GFF hosted the Concacaf Next Play Festival at the GFF National Training Centre, Providence for the nine participating schools of the programme.

This is a follow up from the training held for coaches of the identified schools in October last year and the work done with the respective schools after. Participating schools are from Regions Three, Four, Five, Six and 10. The participating primary schools include Blankenburg, Friendship, Victoria, Lichfield, New Amsterdam, Aidan’s, Coomacka, Sophia, Agricola and Tucville.

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Young player Engages In Play With GFF’s TD Ian Greenwood, Concacaf’s Country co-ordinator Bryan Joseph and others During The Concacaf Next Play Festival

Bryan Joseph, the programme’s Country Coordinator, commenting on the feedback received said: “The feedback has been good; actually, we’ve had some schools ask if they can now expand the programme. When CONCACAF started the programme, that was the idea; that at the end of the initial phase, that schools will see the need to keep working the programme. So, we’ve gotten that kind of feedback. Also, we’re contemplating trying to include some other schools.

The CONCACAF programme is going to extend beyond the schools that are here initially.”

According to Concacaf, the Next Play programme aims “to inspire the love for our game and provide children with access to more opportunities to play football across our 41 Member Associations. Through the sport, we are promoting values, leadership and healthy lifestyles. Our aim is to deliver an official Football and Education School Program to be implemented in the public school system by engaging in meaningful and sustainable ways with local communities and using football as a tool for education and positive social change.”

Participants Of The Concacaf Next Play Festival

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COMPETITIONS

GDF FC Crowned Super 16 Champions

SENIOR FOOTBALL | GFF Super 16 Cup

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he Guyana Defence Force was crowned GFF Super 16 Cup Champion on January 1 at the Georgetown Football Club Ground, Bourda following a 1 – 0 win against Fruta Conquerors FC, thanks to a 59th minute goal from Benjamin Opara.

This followed a spirited clash between the two top teams after two weeks of knock out competition among 16 clubs from among Elite League and eight top clubs from the Regional Member Associations.

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Third-place playoff, which began at 19:00hrs, saw Santos FC clinched a 3 – 2 victory over the Guyana Police Force FC. The goals were compliments of Orin Yarde in the 90+1 and 114 minute respectively as well an Own Goal from Trevon Lythcott in the 73rd minute. Scoring on behalf of Police Force FC were Trayon Bobb in the 5th minute and William Europe in the 71st minute.

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WOMEN’S FOOTBALL | GFF-Always Championship Cup

Champions: Fruta Conquerors FC Captain Odessa Romeo Receives Winning Trophy From Andrea Johnson, President Of The National Association Of Women’s Football

GFF-Always Championship Cup - Best Coach

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ruta Conquerors FC is champions of the GFF-Always Champion Cup Finals held on January 25 at the GFC Ground, Bourda with a 4 – 2 win over Lady Panthers FC courtesy of kicks from the penalty mark.

This was after being locked in fierce battle and tied at 3 all at the end of the allotted 70-minute match duration, including a brace from Tiandi Smith in the 14th and 28th minute for Fruta Conquerors FC and a hat trick from Lady Panthers’ Annalisa Vincent in the 19th, 59th and 77th minute. The other scorer for Fruta Conquerors was Abiocy Heywood in the 88th minute.

Third place was won by Santos FC who had a 2 – 1 victory over Foxy Ladies FC with a brace from Andrea Lashley in the 54th and 59th minute respectively. The lone scorer for Foxy Ladies FC was Horicia Adams in the 64th minute.

Special mention was given to the following for their outstanding performance during the tournament: GFF-Always Championship Cup -Lady Panthers FC

Highest Goal Scorer - Tiandi Smith MVP - Abioce Heywood Best Goalkeeper- Deckola Chester Best Coach- Delon Williams The tournament kicked off on November 30 with five teams/ clubs from the Georgetown Football Association and West Demerara Football Association: Santos FC, Fruta Conquerors FC, Lady Panthers FC, Foxy Ladies FC and the Guyana Police

Force FC. It was played on a round robin basis with each team playing eleven vs eleven side.

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SCHOOL FOOTBALL | Milo Schools Football Tournament

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he GFF is supporting the annual Milo Schools football tournament, organised by the Petra Organisation, and which kicked off on February 15 with a participation of 22 secondary / high schools.

The GFF made available referees for use during the tournament and will use the tournament for talent spotting. The competition is being done in partnership with the Ministry of Public Health under its ‘Stop Gender-Based Violence’ Campaign.

Among the participating schools are Bishops’ High,

South Ruimveldt Secondary, New Central High, Cummings Lodge Secondary, Carmel Secondary, Golden Grove Secondary, St Stanislaus College, Christ Church Secondary, St John’s College, Marian Academy, Charlestown Secondary, East Ruimveldt Secondary, St Joseph High, Canje Secondary, Christianbrug-Wismar High, Annandale Secondary, President’s College, Golden Grove Secondary, Ann’s Grove Secondary, Uitvlugt Secondary, Vergenoegen Secondary and Friendship Secondary. North Ruimveldt Secondary is a standby team.

NATIONAL TOURNAMENT | Rupununi Football Association Champions League

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he 5th edition of the Rupununi Football Association Champions League kicked off in style following the official march pass and opening on February 9 at the Culvertcity Sports ground.

The geographical layout of the vast Rupununi prohibited many of the teams from turning out for the opening but those present were reminded of the encouraging progress the association has made over the past few years

In his feature remarks, President Forde commended President Farias and his executive team for the excellent work they have been doing, likewise, he expressed gratitude to Mayor Macedo for improving the Culvertcity ground, which he had committed to one year ago.

“I think when you consider where football infrastructure was four years ago when I began to visit this region strictly for football business, there has been

GFF President Wayne Forde, RFA President Ryan Farias and Lethem Mayor John Macedo join male and female clubs for a photo at the opening of the RFA 2020 season.

and what’s in store for them.

Sharing the moment with the teams and fans were Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Wayne Forde, His Worship Mayor of Lethem John Macedo along with RFA President Ryan Farias and executive members.

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tremendous improvement over those four years. As I understand it, most of the grounds are not lit, there are goals being constructed, there are plans to do work and improve the surfaces; so all of this will impact on improving the quality of football.”

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INTERNATIONAL

TOURNAMENTS

CONCACAF NATIONS’ LEAGUE

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“I haven’t seen you perform in a match situation but just seeing you in action today makes me feel so proud,”

onourable Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton, said during a visit on February 7 to the training session of the combined National U20 and Senior Men’s National Team. The respective teams trained at the GFF’s National Training Centre, Providence and are preparing for Concacaf Men’s U20 Championship in February and the Concacaf Gold Cup Qualifiers in March. Minister Norton said he is happy about football administration in Guyana and renewed the Government’s commitment to sport development in Guyana: “I have confidence in your administration particularly because of their track record, the Minister Dr. George Norton Addressing The Combined results we’ve been having in football both at the level of the Senior Men’s National Team and The U20 Squad senior and as well as the junior, both male and female, and I am happy. I want to let you know that your government will do everything it can to support you and not only help in providing the infrastructure but also the opportunities for you to live that good life like His Excellency promised the nation.” “I urge you to remember that all of this 83,000 square miles are depending on you and we look forward to more success, much more than you’ve had in the past not only at the personal level but also at the national level,” the Minister concluded.

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uyana Senior Men’s National Team is set to play Barbados on March 26 and 31 respectively as the country seeks to qualify for the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup. The first match of the two-round qualifier is scheduled for Barbados at 19:00hrs while Guyana will be looking for home-court advantage in the final match scheduled for the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora at 20:00hrs.

The National U20 team is on the final lap to compete at the Concacaf U20 Men’s Championship scheduled for Nicaragua from February 15 – 23, 2020, and Guyana has been placed in Group A with St. Vincent and The Grendadines, Montserrat, US Virgin Islands and host Nicaragua.

Group Shot - Hon. Dr. George Norton, GFF’s President Wayne Forde Flanked By Members of the Men’s National Teams During A Visit

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CONCACAF U20 MEN’S QUALIFIERS

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n February 8, the GFF announced a 20-man squad, including two international-based debutantes, will represent Guyana at the Concacaf U20 Men’s Qualifiers in Nicaragua from February 15 – 23, 2020.

The two, Hudson Hazlewood from Washington University FC, USA and Javier George from Stade Beaucairois FC, France are both central midfielders but have different playing styles as well as roles and functions in the team.

“Hazlewood is a #10 type of midfielder who does more attacking,” said Head Coach Wayne Dover prior to the announcement of the squad while George is more of a #8 type of Midfielder who does more defending. They both added strength to the squad which made it more competitive in sessions and for selection to the first team.”

Guyana was placed in Group A with St. Vincent and The Grenadines, Montserrat, US Virgin Islands and host Nicaragua.

National U20 Men’s Team

Guyana’s match schedule/results are as follows:

MATCH 1 X FEB. 15TH GUYANA

6 0

MONTSERRAT

MATCH 3 X FEB. 21ST US VIRGIN ISLANDS

GUYANA

Omari Glasgow 31’, Nicholas Mc Arthur 49’, 78’, 84, Dorwin George 36’ & Ravon Bailey 87’

Omari Glasgow 54’ & Nicholas Mc Arthur 59’

MATCH 2 X FEB. 17TH

MATCH 4 X FEB. 23RD

ST. VINCENT

0 3

GUYANA

NICARAGUA

Osafa Simpson - 35’ & 47’, Omari Glasgow 68’

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0 2

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0

GUYANA

GFF HOSTS APPRECIATION CEREMONY FOR NATIONAL U20 MEN’S TEAM

Team Photo: National U20 Team Members And Staff With GFF’s President, TD Ian Greenwood and Partner Representatives

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ollowing a creditable performance at the Concacaf U20 Men’s Qualifiers in Nicaragua, the GFF hosted an appreciation ceremony for the team on the 27th February on the lawns of the Secretariat.

Among those who provided brief remarks at the ceremony were representatives of GFF’s key youth development partners Pele Alumni (Prince Johnson) and NAMILCO (Fitzroy McLeod). On behalf of GFF were Head Coach of the Golden Jaguars Márcio Máximo; Technical Director, Ian Greenwood, Head Coach Of The National U20 Men’s Team, Wayne Dover and President Wayne Forde.

Head Table

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CONCACAF U20 WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP

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n February17, the final roster for the Women’s National U20 Team was selected by Coach Ivan Joseph and his staff and Guyana fielded its strongest ever team at that age group for their playoff matches that was held in the Dominican Republic.

The final squad included several debutants including Goalkeeper Raven Edwards-Dowdall, Midfielder Shanice Alfred, Forward Makayla Rudder and Defender Anaya Johnson.

These four players joined a contingent of players who helped Guyana qualify for the U20 Concacaf Championship for the first time in Guyana’s history.

The progress made by the women’s programme has been notable with the U20 and U17 teams both advancing to the Concacaf Championships. Guyana’s U20s began their group matches on the 23rd of February against Nicaragua

and are looking to have a strong enough showing to advance out of the group stages.

“The coaching staff and players have been hard at work preparing for the upcoming CONCACAF women’s under 20 championships,” said Coach Ivan when asked to comment on the team’s preparation so far. “It is our hope that we will make our country and all our fans proud of our effort and commitment on the field. Mexico, Nicaragua, and Puerto Rico are all formidable opponents in our opening Group D roundrobin pool.

All three teams are ranked ahead of us in our pool with Mexico leading the way as the number two-ranked team in the tournament. We will need to play at our very best and hope to get a bounce or two in our direction to advance to the next round,” he added.

Guyana has been placed in Group D with Mexico, Nicaragua and Puerto Rico and group matches are scheduled for the Olimpico Felix Sánchez stadium, Dominican Republic. The schedule/results follow:

MATCH 1 X FEB. 23RD GUYANA

3 0

NICARAGUA

Audrey Narine 18’, Jade Vyfhuis 49’ & Serena Mc Donald 62’

Guyana has qualified for the Round Of 16 and will play their first match against the Cayman Islands on March 1.

MATCH 2 X FEB. 25TH PUERTO RICO

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2

GUYANA

Cristina Roque (OG - 54’) & Audrey Narine 81’

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CONCACAF U17 WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP The National U17 Women’s team has been actively engaged in weekly training as they prepare for the Concacaf Women’s Under-17 Championship scheduled to be played from March 21 to April 5, 2020 in the Dominican Republic.

Sessions are held at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary and the GF National Training Centre, providence under the guidance of Head Coach Akilah Castello.

The top three teams of the Championship will qualify to the 2020 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in India from September 21 to October 4.

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GOVERNANCE & MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

GFF President Wayne Forde has the attention of David Sabir during the Workshop held at the Pegasus Hotel.

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n its efforts to professionalize and strengthen the operations of its 41 Member Associations (MAs), the Confederation of Concacaf has implemented an Executive Mentorship Programme (EMP) on February 22 – 23 and the GFF Executives were the beneficiaries of the training at the Pegasus Hotel.

The two-day EMP, which commenced last year, was facilitated

by Jamaican Mr. Howard McIntosh, who is also in charge of the One Concacaf Programme and Special Projects within the Caribbean, and Mr. David Sabir, General Secretary of the Bermuda Football Association.

McIntosh, no stranger to these shores,

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informed that Concacaf has been investing a lot in coaches education and referees training, which have a direct impact on the field of play and the time is right for the focus to also involve offthe-field happenings where the level of operations at the respective executive levels is more professional and in adherence to the rules, regulations and statutes of FIFA and Concacaf.

“We designed this programme last year, which is now bringing about a focus on administration and governance and we’re very happy to be here. We’re doing it in all 41 countries in Concacaf; Guyana is one of our very respected MAs and we’re happy to see the progress that is being made with EXTRATIME - The Monthly News Bulletin

EXECUTIVE MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME (EMP) the GFF in relation to football generally, and even in the areas of administration and governance.” “It’s consistent with our expectations actually in terms of the GFF because of the significant progress that has been made on and off the field. We‘re looking forward to the follow up that comes from it in terms of the various areas of administration, strategic planning and working with the Federation to ensure that the best practices are implemented in those areas where it may not be and continue to work with them in terms of improving the things that they have and of course the things that they may want to do in terms of the strategic objectives of the Federation.”

FOOTBALL ADMINISTRATION

Bartica Football Association President Alden Marslowe Hands Over 1500-watt lights to Mayor Gifford Marshall

GFF-DONATED LIGHTS PRESENTED TO BARTICA COMMUNITY

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n February 2, the President of the Bartica Football Association (BFA), Mr. Alden Marslowe, handed over eight 1500-watts flood lights to His Worship, Mayor Gifford Marshall, on behalf of the GFF President, Wayne Forde.

The presentation was made at the Bartica Community Centre Ground on February 3 in the presence of Director of Sports, Christopher Jones, and other BFA and Municipality officials.

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Mayor Marshall expressed his gratitude for the timely donation and reassured the BFA president of his council’s commitment and support for the development of football throughout the Region.

Forde, for his part, said this donation speaks of the strength of partnership to advance football development: “This is yet another example of the tremendous impact meaningful collaboration could have on football development. I wish to use this opportunity to thank the Bartica Community, the Mayor and the Regional Chairman for their support in

making the GFF Super 16 Cup fixture, which was played on December 21, 2019 successful. Our intention is to lift the profile of the BFA in this year’s Super 16 Cup, launch the 2020 Super 16 Cup at Bartica and playing the opening fixture at the Community Ground.”

The lights will be added to those recently installed by the Council to improved the lighting quality of the Bartica Community Ground, which is the premier facility in the Region.

FIFA’S VISIT TO GUYANA

FIFA’s Marlon Glean and GFF’s President Wayne Forde Interacts with A Member of The National Media

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arlon Glean, FIFA’s Regional Development Office Manager, conducted a three-day visit to Guyana visit to Guyana from January 22 – 24.

The visit was aimed at examining the progress of the FIFAfunded projects, discussing new and emerging technical projects for 2020, reviewing the finances and, in particular, ensuring the funding is being used as designated.

The FIFA Regional Manager was high in praise for the work of the GFF: “We’re very impressed with the GFF’s management of the FIFA Forward Funds. We think in terms of their spending, they have done a good job in diversifying the

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spend. We have projects from infrastructure development to support to the Regional Member Associations to national team and competitions support. So we’re seeing a wide range of projects coming from the GFF. In fact, it is one of the Associations who utilized all of the funds allocated for the 2016-2020 period. The Federation here has done a god job in terms of ensuring that not only was the money spent but that it was spent in the right places.

Glean, along with President Wayne Forde and General Secretary Acting Ian Alves, also paid a courtesy visit to Hon. Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton on

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Thursday: “We thanked him for his support and the support of leagues, they can be comfortably be played in a larger his government. We’re grateful for what they have been able stadium with more support, which can translate into more to do with the Federation victories for the national We have already seen, in the short-term, over the last couple of team.” Forde added that an results coming from the investment – the years. We also talked update of the plans in train about future partnerships. including the international country’s appearance at the Concacaf Gold We know there are issues, campaigns for the senior Cup and the resulting visibility to Guyana.” from time to time, with men’s national team, the the availability of the stadium to host international matches U17 and U20 Girls and the U20 Boys was also provided. and ensuring that the Federation is given the facility so Accompanying Mr. Glean was Jordan Victoiri, Project they can host international games and accommodate more Coordinator in the FIFA’s Regional Development office. patrons and, instead of using small pitches for national

GFF LAUNCHES M-FAP PROGRAMME

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he GFF Members Financial Support Programme (M-FAP) is a pioneering initiative, which was launched on February 14, 2020 by President Wayne Forde.

M-FAP sets out to further strengthen the development of football across Guyana by investing in competitions, infrastructure, technical development and administration throughout the body of our membership.

The goal of M-FAP is to empower each member of the

fraternity to participate in building of a sturdy foundation for the sustainable growth of football, aiming at allowing many more young girls and boys to experience the true power of Football.

During the reporting period, each Regional Member Association received six months of funding for operational support.”

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COMMISSIONING OF MINIBUSES COURTESY OF UEFA ASSIST PROGRAMME On 28th February, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) commissioned two minibuses courtesy of The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Assist Programme.

Below are remarks shared at the event by Technical Director Ian Greenwood and President Wayne Forde:

Greenwood:

Forde:

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The acquisition of the team buses is a landmark achievement for the GFF and integral to the Academy Training Centre Programme. They will provide the logistical and transportation support for the Inter-Academy League & fixtures scheduled throughout 2020 and beyond. Vital quality control will be conducted across all the ATCs utilising this logistical support for our Coach Educators. The team buses will ensure clear alignment between strategy and our reality as we are now able to ensure that support and transportation is provided to our players to attend national team training & weekend camps at the GFF National Training Centre.

President Forde Ceremoniously Commissions One of the Buses in the presence of Executive Committee Member Rayan Farias

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“

The commissioning of these two buses today is a watershed moment for the GFF, and is symbolic of our International Relations Strategy, which continues to bode well for the reputation of the Guyana Football Federation and Guyana as a Football Nation. These strategic partnerships are essential to our quest to acquire badly needed football development resources along with technical and administration capacity.

These buses were donated by UEFA and I am so humbled and grateful for this kind gesture. I would therefore like to express my sincere gratitude to Mr. Aleksander Ceferin – President of UEFA, for his generous contribution to the Development of Guyana’s Football.

I wish to also thank Ms. Eva Pasquier and Mr. Howard McIntosh for working closely with me over the past year to consolidate the bilateral partnership between the GFF and UEFA.

These buses will contribute to significant savings to the operation of the GFF Academy Training Centre (ATC) programme, which will allow us to fully implement to next phases of this groundbreaking National Youth Development Structure.”

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CONSTRUCTION WORKS AT GFF NATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE

3D Image Of The Completed Structure Being Built At The GFF’s Training Centre, Providence

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orks at the GFF National Training Centre have entered the second phase with the construction of the youth dorms, gym, showers, toilets, kitchen and training/resource centre. These works are scheduled for completion at the end of May 2020.

With the completion of these works, the GFF will be able to encamp the youth teams regularly, implement

the Referees Elite Programme, conduct regular coaching education workshops and conduct regular football administration workshops and courses.

The next phase of Works will include the installation of the field lighting system and the construction of the stands and the main pavilion.

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KEY UPCOMING EVENTS TBA GFF ELITE LEAGUE KFC Nationwide U20 Tournament NAMILCO U17 Intra-Association Tournament Frank Watson U15 Intra-Association Tournament Golden Jaguars’ Goal Cup Qualifiers Home & Away

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