WITH the four-year development programme at about 50%, the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) will continue its programme with the focus on marketing and development of the sport.
This was the assurance given by vice-president of the UDFA, Sharma Solomon, in an exclusive interview with Chronicle Sport yesterday as he reviewed the association’s 2011 activities and outlined the 2012 programme in detail.
Solomon noted that the association had a successful 2011 with about 85% of its activities and objectives achieved and is looking to better the performance with a detail programme this year.
The UDFA will commence its season in February with the start of two major leagues. One of the leagues will be the Premier league, in which six top-seeded clubs – Milerock, Netrockers, Amelia’s Ward, Silver Shattas, Bakewell Topp XX and Winners Connection will take part.
The other league will be the Division II league which will be the community development league and this will be played in the community among the six lower-seeded clubs – Blueberry Hill United, Vasco, Peacemakers, Eagles United, Pioneer Construction and High Stars FC.
Solomon explained that next month the affiliated clubs will compete for top honours in the Republic Cup.
In April, the association will commence the 20/20 tournament and will see over 24 clubs participate and during the month of May, the Town Week football tournament and the Screw Richmond memorial youth tournament will take place.. .
The UDFA will commence two extensive training programmes in conjunction with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) in refereeing, coaching and club administration. This will form the nucleus in structuring a strong club management and will also enable some changes to the present administration of football at the club level.
Solomon noted that the UDFA will unfold their 2012 youth programme in June and this will see youth development and clinics for Under-9s to Under-18s with a major evaluation at all the levels.
A youth football festival is scheduled for the end of August. This activity will see some 12 coaches and other administrators conduct sessions on various aspects of the game to over 600 youths during the period.
The FA Cup will conclude the year’s programme as the clubs will prepare for the annual Kashif & Shanghai year-end tournament.
When asked about sponsorship he noted that CBR mining company has already given its commitment to the two major leagues and the local giant beverage company Banks DIH Ltd has also indicated willingness with Ansa McAl Trading Ltd for the youth programme.
Solomon noted that 2012 will see more improvements in management and marketing and community development will be high on the UDFA agenda.