… hands out football equipment and met with UDFA officials

GUYANA Football Federation (GFF) president Wayne Forde concluded a successful visit to the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) last weekend, handing out football equipment and meeting with UDFA officials and clubs as part of the federation’s official regional outreach programme.

The president’s outreach initiative is designed to optimise information exchange between the GFF Council and administration and GFF members, while enabling the president to experience first-hand the unique challenges and successes of stakeholders in each of the GFF’s nine regional associations.

“This outreach programme is part of our good governance strategy and is an essential part of our work to develop football for all across Guyana, while ensuring our members have the tools and resources they need to deliver on their individual, as well as our collective, goals,” president Forde said.

“The GFF is a united community of football – from our administration to clubs and regional associations – and it’s vital that we do everything we can to maintain excellent relationships within this community to continue building a strong foundation for the future of the game,” Forde added.

During his visit, Forde met with the UDFA Executive Committee, the General Council and other stakeholders, competed in a “masters” football match, and kicked off the UDFA leg of the GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt ‘Flour Power’ National Under-17 Intra-Association League.

He also distributed footballs to senior men’s teams in the region.

“There are so many unsung heroes working behind the scenes in football across Guyana,” Forde explained.

“It was, therefore, a matter of personal importance for me to thank the club executives for their service to the beautiful game, and to assure them that the GFF stands ready to support them with the equipment, technical and other support that they need.”

“With that in mind,” Forde continued, “I emphasised the importance of strong club governance and structures, and underlined how the GFF Club Charter Programme and GFF Members Financial Assistance Programme can help them improve standards and accelerate the development of their clubs and their on-field and off-field talent.” (GFF)