HOCKEY in Guyana is poised for an exciting year, both internationally and locally, with special emphasis being placed on youths according to president of the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) Philip Fernandes.The year will commence with the Annual General Meeting and Election of office-bearers on February 20 and Fernandes has indicated that he is open to stepping down as president once the executives see it fit, but can also continue in the role until those capable feel they are ready.

Immediately, following the AGM, the local season will begin with the Farfan and Mendes men’s first division and the John Fernandes Insurance Services second division competition which will take the body into its indoor calendar in time for the May/June rainy season.
According to Fernandes, who spoke to the media yesterday, the GHB also has an international junior team (Under-21) in training to attend the Pan American Junior Championships in Toronto, Canada during the month of May, adding, “This team is well prepared, we feel excited”
He, however, noted that there is one issue: “The dates of the tournament actually clash with the dates of the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) exams and in fact, some of our players will then therefore be unable to make the tour.”
This issue, he noted, is not limited to Guyana as those countries writing CXC examinations – Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad included – will ultimately be affected, with their respective organisations writing to the Pan American Hockey Federation, (PAHF) to move the date.
The parent body, in response, indicated that due to circumstances beyond its control, cannot shift the date of the tournament as logistical arrangements among other things have already been set.
However, Fernandes is of the view that the pool of talent is deep and wide enough to absorb that blow and produce a team that can perform on par with the rest of the countries.

ENHANCED YOUTH FOCUS
Another important feature of the board for 2016 will be its drive to ensure that youths are encouraged to continue along the hockey path.
“This year also we want to have a very strong focus on youths; we’ve been having a lot more young people joining the game; a lot more young people appreciating hockey and we hope to have at least three tournaments for young people such as Under-13, Under-15, Under-19 and Under-21,” said Fernandes.
The GHB boss added that in order to sustain the youths coming into the sport, the GHB will also discuss during its AGM, the possibility of further camps educating the students on further tactics that will help them to advance their game with an eye to one day making them national players.

By Stephan Sookram