… Encampment starts July 4

THE Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) technical staff is pleased with the fitness level of the 30-man squad who have been identified to represent Guyana at the Caribbean Football Union’s (CFU), Men’s Under-17 championships which will kick off in the Dominican Republic on July 18.

Addressing members of the media yesterday at the GFF’s headquarters in Dadanawa Street, Bel Air Park, the team’s manager Joseph Simon informed that the 30-member squad went through their physical fitness assessment last Sunday under the eyes of physical trainer Trevor Beckles, who gave a positive report on the fitness of the players.
He said from the report he received, the players responded well and their recuperation rate is extremely good.
Simon who replaced Carlos Bernard as team manager said that the 30 players will be encamped at the Dawn Cari Hotel in Kitty before a final 18 will be selected to make the trip to the Dominican Republic.
The cost of the encampment was not given, but Simon said to date a few corporate sponsors have indicated an interest in offsetting the expense.
Asked what plans the GFF has to offset the air tickets, meals and accommodation for the team while in the Dominican Republic, Simon said the CFU has requested from the GFF a budget and has indicated that they will assist with the expenses.
GFF Technical Director, Canadian-based Mark Rodrigues said the technical staff is extremely excited about the squad. He added that from all observations the technical staff felt it is a good squad and this is all part of the GFF’s success plan.
“This is just a starting process as we will continue with Under-13, Under-15 and Under-21 programmes,” Rodrigues stated, adding “we have no doubt they (Under-17) will do well and we will draw on all the resources we have to make it a success.
GFF Development Officer Lyndon France indicated that by August 7 and December of this year, an Under-13 and an Under-21 squad will be named for future CFU tournaments.
He said it is important for the GFF to stage two Under-15 and two Under-17 tournaments each year so as not to lose players.
Head coach Brian Joseph said he is excited to lead the team and now it’s time to work with the support staff on the type of play he wants the team to play.
According to the head coach, the recently concluded national Under-17 tournament as well as the Digicel tournament helped the staff to get the squad into good shape and he is looking forward to the team doing well at the CFU championships.
The players were selected following the conclusion of the GFF’s Inter-Association Under-17 tournament which concluded last month.
The final squad of 18 will be selected for the July 16 departure for the Dominican Republic where they will come up against the host team as well as Barbados and Antigua and Barbuda.
Joseph will be assisted by Chevon Monchior, goal-keeping coach Andrew Hazel, physical trainer Beckles and physiotherapist Charlene Henry.

(By Michael DaSilva)