WITH the Grassroots Football Programme at the Eccles EE Ground set to continue Saturday from 16:00hrs, facilitated by Coach Devnon Winter, the experienced national and club coach has stated that this introductory segment of the game is vital for long-term development.
The programme started two weeks ago as part of the ongoing inaugural East Bank Inter-Village Football Tournament organised by Sports Extra, which has seen the welcome return of competitive football to the East Bank and Soesdyke-Linden Highway corridors.
It’s been growing from the first week, which means that the youths are eager to learn and to be involved in something that is exciting.
“I do understand the importance of this segment of development and I can honestly say that this is very encouraging and exciting for me. Once this continues consistently, you are creating a base for any football development in Guyana. We need to encourage lots of grassroots programmes across the country.”
Winter stated that with Guyana’s population touching one million persons now, we should have at least one hundred (100) grassroot programmes around the country.
Going forward, Coach Winter shared that the quantity and quality of players would increase and improve over time, but consistency is required. He also alluded to the fact that proper management must be the standard.
“The pool of coaches would have to increase based on the number of players, to have a manageable player-to-coach ratio which would ensure maximum impact and ensure quality and attention for each player.”
It was also noted that parents, former players and volunteers are important pillars to be added.
“I would like to also state that you cannot give development a break, once you have started, you have to keep going. The best teacher is the game and repetition is development. If you don’t repeat 1,000 times something you are not good in, then you would not develop.
“Equipment is also another important component of the programme and I am confident that this will grow into something big across Guyana with the support of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, its sister ministries and the National Sports Commission, all partnering.”
Meanwhile, former Guyana Football Federation Technical Director Ian Greenwood, who now works with FIFA, dropped by the session on Saturday last and commended Winter for the programme, which he said is a positive move and should be supported.
