THE aim of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) is to begin construction of a facility of international standard by March 2022. Such facility will house a pitch for international football along with practice facilities and mini-pitches for community usage on Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown.

According to an article published by News Room on Monday, GFF president Wayne Forde estimated the cost of the facility to be no less than US$6 million and significant works can begin at the land, which is west of the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall,, only when further works are completed at the National Training Centre at Providence, as approved by FIFA.

“The actual construction of the facility is going to take place at the end of the first quarter of 2022 I believe because by then we will probably have the lighting up here at Providence, the dorms will be fully functional, the gym will be activated and all the facilities that are considered necessary for the venue to be deemed a functioning technical centre will be in place,” Forde expressed in the News Room article.

The GFF president felt the facility might not be to the magnitude of modern football stadiums, but it will be a quality facility that can host international matches and have a capacity of approximately 10 000 to 12 000.

He added, “We want to use that space to develop the best possible international facility. Saying Football Stadium would be a stretch – but I think we can develop a venue that can easily put 10 to 12 thousand persons in the venue at any one time.”

The D’Urban Park Football Complex, which the Federation acquired on a 25-year lease, will house an international-quality football-sized pitch, two mini-pitches, and new headquarters for the Guyana Football Federation.

While funding for the project will primarily come from FIFA, the GFF president is hoping for significant support from government and also commercial partners to aid in the maintenance of the facility.