Dear Sir,

TO THE best of my knowledge, the coordination of inter-association football has been ongoing for over two (2) decades, perhaps longer, at the behest of the nation’s governing authority, the Guyana Football Association (then), and the Guyana Football Federation (now)!However, the current administration is, for whatever reason, continuing with this outdated and non-productive mode of play, which isn’t conducive for development, and leaves much to be desired. Moreover, it must be taken into serious consideration that, within its employ, the GFF has a “Technical Development Officer.”

Editor, almost ten (10) years ago, in a private discussion with the TDO, I implored: “Guyana may be the only country in the world which plays football at the inter-association level, albeit, inter-constituency, parish, state etc”. How can this format seriously develop the nation’s football, when some associations have clubs that are devoid of a well-structured nursery programme!

Further, selecting an inter-association squad to pursue training creates room for “skullduggery”, since the appointed coach, due to time constraints for preparation, would be more comfortable coaching the nucleus of the squad from his club, and would likely be paying more attention to his club, which may be pursuing championship honours in another competition!

In the final analysis, if the powers that be are seriously committed to meaningful development, then it must be compulsory that each association submit its “Calendar of Activities”, documenting general council meetings, workshops, seminars and competitions (various divisions) for submission within a specific time-frame. Thereafter, the onus is upon the GFF to coordinate the relevant competitions at all divisions (age limits).

National club championships must always take precedence over inter-association football competitions, and the winner and runner-up from each of the eight (8) associations must be able to participate in a round-robin/knockout format.

Apart from attracting sixteen (16) participants, in excess of six (6) to eight (8) weeks of uninterrupted preparation for a competition is more meaningful. Additionally, in excess of two hundred (200) players will be vying for selection within the squad, while, within the eight (8) associations’ structure, one (1) month of preparation may well be problematic, along with less players being exposed for selection.

Travelling by some players would be significantly curtailed, i.e. Maichony-Plaisance, in pursuit of training with the respective Associations’ squad.

It would be more prudent to stage inter-regional bi-annual games featuring various sports disciplines under the auspices of the NSC, and have the GFF coordinate the football activities.

Editor, with an under-17 inter- association tournament scheduled to commence on May 07, how many associations would have played any under-17 competition domestically for the year? Besides, the traditional May-June rainfall is seemingly already upon us, coming earlier than anticipated! Therefore, preparations would be significantly curtailed, owing to the nature of poor drainage for grounds.

To whose foresight, or lack thereof, should May be credited to start the tournament anyhow?
Respectfully yours,
LESTER SEALEY