THE Ministry of Communities on Friday last handed over a cheque for $224,989 for the purchase 14 pairs of football sneakers for the Buxton United Football Club (BUSC) at the Colours Boutique on Robb Street, Georgetown.

Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Communities, Danielle Campbell-Lowe made the presentation to Secretary of BUFC, Mr. Eton Moses on behalf of the Minister, Ronald Bulkan.
The Club approached Minister Bulkan for assistance in providing footwear to members of the senior team, many of whom are students of Guyana Technical Institute (GTI), Guyana Industrial Training (GITC) and the University of Guyana (UG), the ministry said in a release.

Moses, according to the release said BUFC management, in its thrust to provide opportunities to youths in the Buxton-Friendship Community, has endeavoured to accelerate developing partnerships with civic-minded organisations.

He noted that the club is exemplary for its discipline and youth development (mainly boys) through the game of football, in a community threatened by socially deviant behaviours. The club, which currently plays in the GFF Elite League, is now a voting member of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) due to recent reforms introduced to the football arena during 2015.

Moses explained that the under 11, 13, 15, 17, 19 and senior teams utilise the Buxton/Friendship Community Ground for daily training between the hours of 5pm and 9pm as well as for competition games. However, according to Moses, the club is continually challenged financially to meet the demands of all its departments.

He added that given its lack of permanent sponsors, the club is forced to rely on random acts of kindness, sporadic donations along with monthly contributions from its executives. It was against this background that the BUFC sought the minister’s assistance in an effort to support its work.

Campbell-Lowe said that the ministry was only too eager to invest in the human capital of communities and lend its support towards a cause that would steer youths away from delinquent behaviour. She expressed hope that the gesture would assist in creating an opportunity for youths to become productive citizens and make meaningful contributions to society.