By Elroy Stephney

A FIRE-fighter by profession; Travis Bowen is fighting tirelessly towards transforming the landscape of football in Essequibo.

His quiet demeanour, sense of purpose and admirable work ethics has created quite a favourable impression on the local scene. The reconstitution of the Essequibo Coast/Pomeroon Football Association has led to the sport regaining momentum in the county.

In this regard the association has been placing strong emphasis on coaching as well as identifying talent across the region. This process has led the 37-year-old Travis Bowen to become integrally involved as a member.

He then pursued coaching and attended courses that were conducted by the Guyana Football Association (GFA). After successfully completing various assignments he was duly appointed as Essequibo’s first Technical Director in 2016.

Thereafter he began his formal coaching duties with regular sessions across the region. The establishment of the Essequibo Academy has also enabled Bowen to conduct week-end sessions for both male and females.

He is also intimately involved in the grassroots programme which is a continuous developmental process that caters for Under- 13, U-15 and U-17 footballers. The highly regarded coach is very active within his village of Henrietta where he coaches on a regular basis at the Anna Regina Community Centre ground, either early in the morning or in the afternoons.

His visible and demanding role also connects administratively since he was recently elected president of the Henrietta United Football Club and has already tasted success.
The Club is the winner of the Essequibo Senior League competition which culminated with the presentation being witnessed by the president of the GFF Wayne Forde who was on a recent visit to Essequibo.

Bowen is quite passionate about creating an environment whereby young footballers can unleash their true potential. For this to materialise he acknowledges that “they must be prepared to make sacrifices, be disciplined and be prepared to grasp every opportunity whether in the classroom, at home or on the field”.

Bowen, who is married and has a daughter, enjoys being pressured into getting positive results. “Work hard and success will be attained” are his powerful words of advice.

He can be seen mentoring his young charges frequently and it is a noble task which he enjoys wholeheartedly. While it may be an uphill battle to rebuild Essequibo’s football,
Bowen is not daunted by such challenges.

Instead he has committed to harness every talent, establish firm structural bases, and provide the requisite resources and incentives.

He is proud that three Under-15 footballers from the region have been selected to attend National trials; “I am prepared to create more opportunities for our players,” he stated.
Bowen’s ambitious plans are beginning to reap the rewards of being dedicated, passionate and providing mentorship.