THE Guyana Government wants to partner with FIFA, football’s world governing body, to make available more training for players and coaches in Guyana.
This according to Minister of Sport Dr Frank Anthony who recently met with FIFA’s Development Officer, Howard McIntosh and President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Christopher Matthias.
The officials discussed among other things, plans and strategies for the upcoming year and to have discussions on special projects that have been specifically designed and approved for Guyana.
“We are very pleased and optimistic about what we have heard, I think the collaboration going forward should be a very good one,” said Dr Anthony.
He added the ministry would like to see the growth of football locally, and he was very pleased that FIFA is looking at more youth involvement in the sport. “From a country’s point of view there is need for children to be more active, and this is an opportunity to encourage children to become involved in sports, while aiding in solving public health problems.”
The Minister said that the Ministry is contemplating a national programme that will see collaboration with FIFA and GFF and other partners. He said within the next few months a grass root programme will be rolled out.
The FIFA official said he decided to meet with the minister to discuss areas of possible collaboration with the Ministry and FIFA for projects, which will be promoting the sport in Guyana.
He said the meeting was very fruitful, and there was a desire to convert some of those discussions into concrete plans.
Discussions were also held on developing infrastructure and youth specific programmes for football in Guyana.
Minister Anthony suggested the establishment of a task force to ensure the effective implementation of their discussions.