THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) is pleased to announce that Guyanese match officials Sherwin Alli and Alliyah Antigua have successfully completed the fifth edition of the Caribbean Football Union’s (CFU) Next Generation Referee Course, hosted in St Kitts and Nevis from January 16-18, 2026.
The three-day developmental programme brought together 24 match officials from 15 member associations and featured technical instruction, fitness assessments, and sessions on personal and professional development. The initiative forms part of the CFU’s ongoing commitment to raising the standard of refereeing across the Caribbean.
For Alli, 2026 marked his second appearance in the prestigious NextGen programme, further evidence of his steady progression as an emerging elite match official. His development has been reflected in high-level domestic appointments, including matches in the Super 16 Cup and Elite League Season 7.
During the course, Alli received both the Peer Award and the Leadership Award, recognising his consistency, professionalism, and positive influence among fellow referees. Speaking on the experience, he noted the course’s strong technical components, including sessions on: Handball interpretations; Penalty area incidents; Challenges and tactical fouls; Game management; Fitness and professionalism
Alli also highlighted the importance of maintaining professionalism on and off the field, adding that participation allowed him to expand his international network in refereeing circles.
Originating from Region Seven (Kamarang), he expressed pride and motivation in pursuing higher levels within the officiating pathway, including a future FIFA appointment.
The 2026 programme also honoured the late Guyanese referee Maurees Skeete, with a one-minute moment of silence observed during the course.
Antigua participated in the NextGen course for the first time, arriving on the back of an impressive 2025 domestic season. Her rapid rise in officiating has earned her appointments in major national competitions such as the Super 16 Cup and the Women’s Development League, highlighting her growing influence within Guyanese football and the expanding role of women in officiating.
The successful completion of the course by both officials represents another positive milestone for Guyana’s refereeing programme and reinforces the country’s growing presence within regional officiating structures.
The GFF remains committed to investing in the development of referees at all levels through sustained training, education, and international exposure. (GFF)