THE male and female youth teams, which recently wrapped up national encampment, have benefited from two sessions aimed at building their capacity for understanding the Laws of the Game and interacting with the media.

The sessions, held on July 11 and 12, were facilitated by GFF’s Head of Refereeing Department, Stanley Lancaster, and Communications and Public Relations Officer Debra Francis who addressed the Laws of the Game and offered tips on media interaction respectively.

According to Lancaster, the Laws of The Game discussion focused on explaining it in an age-appropriate manner to the group. Emphasis was placed on the Laws applicable to the age group being targeted.

“We explained Laws 4–12, which address a cross-section of issues including player kit, ball in and out of play, determining the outcome of the match, the principle governing offside, fouls and misconduct, the importance of discipline on the pitch, and procedure for kicks from the penalty mark.

The Law relative to the functions of the goalkeeper was also explained,” Lancaster said.

Meanwhile, Francis, in her interactive session, addressed areas relative to being a guest on a media interview: how to introduce oneself, the art of the handshake, dress, responding to questions, posture and concluding the interview. She underscored the importance of national players having the skill to effectively engage the media.

The national youth teams are preparing for the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Boys U-14 Challenge Trophy, August 2-12 in Curacao and the CONCACAF Girls U-15 Championship from August 6 to 13 at the IMG Academy, Florida, USA.

The next encampment with the shortlisted squads is scheduled for July 22-26 and July 29-August 1 respectively.

Guyana are one of five countries placed in Group C of the CFU Boys U-14 Challenge Trophy along with Curacao, Bonaire, Trinidad & Tobago and Aruba while the U-15 Girls have been placed in Group E with The Bahamas, Cayman Islands and St Lucia.

Guyana are scheduled to play their first match in the U-15 Championship against St Lucia on August 6 at 11:00hrs, followed by Cayman Islands on August 7 at 09:00hrs and The Bahamas on August 9 at 11:00hrs.

The playoff will begin on August 10, following the Group qualifiers, with the finals set for August 13 at 11:00hrs.