By Elroy Stephney

FOOTBALL remains a popular sport in Region 2, despite the lack of adequate facilities and high level competitions.
The Essequibo Coast/Pomeroon Football Association has the mandate to plan, organise and execute tournaments in conformity with the Guyana Football Federation and other stakeholders.
During the last two years, several competitions were held ranging from Under- 15, 17, 23 and senior which has led to the formation of the Essequibo Football Referees Association (EFRA) in 2015. The body now has 11 members with Clifton Paul, Graduate Head of Department (GHOD) attached to the Cotton Field Secondary School being elected Chairman.
The other members are from various districts along the Coast, including Mainstay. In an invited comment, Paul revealed that the Association is gaining momentum as more aspiring referees are preparing to join the Association to become professional referees.
He further stated that he is encouraged by the interest shown both by the footballers and the Essequibo Coast/Pomeroon Football Association (ECPFA) to promote football in the Region. In this regard, he said that the Referees’ Association is fully committed towards closely collaborating with all stakeholders to bring a semblance of order and continuity in the manner in which the game is played. According to Paul, who is also a qualified referee and the Region’s Referee Development Officer, his Association continues to provide training as it relates to the laws of the game while members are regularly given the opportunity to be exposed to higher levels of training by the Guyana Referees Council.
He also mentioned that the local referees conduct constant physical training which is a mandatory requirement, adding that a Physical Instructor will be appointed in the Region shortly to work closely with the Referees and the ECPFA.
He is also pleased with the exposure that the local referees have been offered; stating that they have been selected to referee matches in different parts of the country including Georgetown, Lethem, Moruka, Pomeroon and Bartica; experiences which have tremendously enhanced their confidence, skill, concentration and ability to handle pressure situations.
He further disclosed that his Association is affiliated to the Guyana Referees’ Association and receives outfits and gears from the GFF. The Essequibo Football Referees Association, according to him has been functioning effectively and is expected to expand, given the interest shown by prospective referees along with the fact that no fee is attached towards joining the Association.
“With renewed vigor shown by the Essequibo Coast/Pomeroon Football Association to develop football in the Region, the Essequibo Football Referees Association will expand and prosper too in its mandate to be guardians of the sport by officiating fairly, impartially and within the laws of the game” he acknowledged.