HAVING a wide range of experience and knowledge, United States-based football coach Claude Bolton believes that the introduction of a national league in Guyana would do wonders for the game if and when it is achieved. Because it is a huge endeavour and “a make or break for Guyana’s football”.

Bolton, in an exclusive interview with this newspaper, said he felt the appointment of a new Technical Director will see the continuation of what he has recently imparted to local coaches.

He said this would be necessary since “the new Technical Director should see “we light a fire in the association”, because the next major step is the national league where these coaches can start to impart this knowledge to affect play in the national league.

“The national league is a make or break for Guyana’s football, definitely. It is such a huge endeavour, and so important to the players to have that opportunity to play at that kevel. I am biased because I am a Guyanese. Football in Guyana can be better than football in Trinidad. I believe that in my heart, but things have to happen.”

The coach said he understands that the GFF is going to invite some other coaches who want to give back, so hopefully, there would be within the next two years a technical programme which would be developed around the new technical director.”

Speaking of the sessions he held in Linden at the Bayrock Community Centre ground, Bolton said, “I was impressed but not surprised … with the passion for coaching in Linden because of its long tradition in football. I think obviously something is lacking in football and I think, we as a group, empowered the coaches with reflections on the game.”

He remarked that one of the main things when he held the sessions was to be very positive about football. He was also impressed with the potential of players. Looking at what was done during his brief visit to Linden

Bolton pointed to the simplicity of running a session and organising sessions, particularly small-sided games, how to utilise players in a session to be able to help the bigger game, as this was his focus. 

He said the coaches were able to see how the simplicity of small-sided games fits into a training regiment to develop a focus for a weekend workout session.

The coaches were also able to see how to turn football into a positive experience for the players and the theme for that was: If you can empower individuals, you can demand of them.

Bolton, however, felt that while deeming it a success he would need a feedback from players and coaches and hopefully, if it wasn’t, how he could help to change that.

President of the Upper Demerara Football Association said that Bolton has a lot to offer simply because he understands the Guyanese culture and has made an impact during the two-day visit and hopefully he would be able to do follow-up sessions.

“I think this is going to be the start of something really big. We are going to look to build on it.”

He said this was the key to moving football forward as the structure of coaching was terrible and we are looking to revamp it and make it vibrant again.”

Bolton came here as a guest of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and has both international coaching and playing experience, having served as the head coach of Canada’s men’s Futsal team and also a Technical Director of the country’s youth soccer.

He has also been a Player Development Coach in the Regional Development School of the New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer. He is also highly rated in the United States having Team, Goalkeeping and Fitness licences, as well as a National Youth Diploma.