GFF/Pele Alumni Frank Watson U-15 Intra Association League
GFF president Wayne Forde officially kicks off the League with the Kuru Kururu Warriors goalkeeper about to gather the ball.
GFF president Wayne Forde officially kicks off the League with the Kuru Kururu Warriors goalkeeper about to gather the ball.

Ten EBFA teams participate in historical march past with GFF president in attendance

THE GFF/Pele Alumni Frank Watson U-15 Intra Association League was launched almost one year ago, on March 14, 2017 to be exact, by President of the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football, Victor Montagliani, who was on a short visit to Guyana.

However, due to adverse weather conditions, which curtailed even the smooth flow of the GFF/NAMILCO Flour Power U-17 Intra Association League, the League had to be put off.
But yesterday at the Grove Playfield, 10 of the East Bank Football Association affiliates turned up for the official march past and start of this historic, GFF/Pele Alumini Frank Watson U-15 Intra Association League.

GFF president joined EBFA president Franklin Wilson, secretary Wayne Francois and other executives to usher in the first national competition at this age-group level much to the delight of the clubs and fans who attended the occasion.

The clubs attending were Agricola Red Triangle, Herstelling Raiders, Diamond United, Diamond Upsetters, Samatta Point/Kaneville, Grove Hi Tech, Friendship All Stars, Kuru Kururu Warriors, Timehri Panthers and Soesdyke Falcons. Absent was Mocha Champs.
In welcoming the clubs and congratulating the players on being a part of this significant competition, the EBFA president Franklin Wilson encouraged the teams to work hard, play fair and ensure that discipline is the hallmark of their participation.

Forde, in feature remarks, before officially kicking off the league stated that the tournament forms part of the federation’s strategy to implement comprehensive youth football development in the nation.
“This tournament would be the ultimate feeder of the academy training centre on the East Bank that is operated by the Technical Development Officer and the Youth Development Coaches.”

He noted that the top players emerging from this league would have the opportunity to be drafted into the academy training centre.
GFF Technical Director Mr Ian Greenwood was praised for the implementation of a structured youth development programme in Guyana.

“You are playing football at what is considered in my own opinion, the most opportune time in our long and sometimes difficult history. The most talented players among you guys will train consistently under an age-specific coaching curriculum over the next couple of years.”
A call was made for more parents to get involved in supporting the development of their children which is vital to their development as athletes.

“So having your mother, father, aunt, sisters and brothers out there cheering you along, there is no other value that can be more special than that.”

Talent alone,\ though, Forde stressed, would be lost if there is no discipline and fair play involved. “We’ve seen many great players in Guyana who have lost out on exceptional opportunities because they simply could not commit themselves to a consistent display of discipline. You guys have an opportunity here of not only putting Guyana at the forefront of regional football but world football.

“But you can only achieve this milestone if you treat your peers and coaches with respect but above all, treat the game of football with the absolute respect it deserves. It is a game that is bigger than each and every one of us.”

Forde also offered words of gratitude to the Pele Alumni organisation: “I want to take this opportunity to say a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to these former stars of Guyana’s football who have reached beyond their remarkable playing careers to once again to serve the Beautiful game.

“I want to personally express my appreciation to ‘Labba’ Barton and Denis Carrington. I am very proud of the work they are doing in supporting their former club and bringing prominence to an institution that has produced much more that exceptional players.”
Meanwhile, the first match of the league saw Grove Hi Tech face off against Kuru Kururu Warriors with the former coming from behind to win 4-1.

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