… says executive member

By Elroy Stephney

ESSEQUIBO is set to benefit from the resuscitation of female football in the Region. Speaking to Chronicle Sport, executive member of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Maxine Stewart, who also serves as an executive member of the Essequibo Football Association (EFA), confirmed that female football will be a priority for the local administration since it is also a mandate from the GFF to develop female football in all regions.
She expressed great optimism of having a wide cross section of females being involved in the sport and according to her “the EFA will ensure that the necessary mechanisms are put in place to encourage, support and sustain the drive to have female football thrive in the region”.
Ms Stewart further stated that “moves are already in place to form clubs within various districts” while acknowledging “that same was already done in Dartmouth and Henrietta”.
The EFA executive disclosed that the concentration will be on training at the Under-17 level with sessions already commencing at the Anna Regina Community Centre (ARCC) ground in the afternoons.

It was also revealed that Travis Bowen and Ranzolin Durga, technical directors assigned by GFF, are working with the female players and will generally develop football across the region, including hinterland districts.
Meanwhile Stewart, who remains committed towards realising success in football in Essequibo, is appealing to all stakeholders including the Government and Private Sector to cooperate in realising that dream through continued sponsorship, mentorship, better facilities and training opportunities.
The veteran administrator remains one of the highly driven individuals in Essequibo whose love and passion for football is unquestionable.
In this regard, she was impressed and happy with the large attendance of approximately 65 young footballers who participated in a recently held coaching clinic in Dartmouth.
“Essequibo has an abundance of raw talent, and we want to harness them into becoming the final product,” she emphasised.
Further, the forthright campaigner was also pleased with the grassroots academy where the GFF and the EFA are partnering to capture talent across the Essequibo Coast and Pomeroon. The players with potentials must be given the opportunity and exposure to be involved in formal training, with prospects towards possible selection in the future.
While the sport remains popular, “getting the structure right is what is required in order for our footballers to excel,” Stewart added.
In this regard, the champion female football enthusiast is prepared to trot the extra mile to fulfil the dreams of countless footballers in the county, and in particular to give prominence to female football in Essequibo.