With an emphasis placed on youth development, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) officially launched the Scotiabank Academy Training Centers (ATC) yesterday at the Umana Yana, High Street.
The programme which was conceptualized by the GFF Technical Director Ian Greenwood, will feature 13 academy centers for boys and girls, in the nine member associations.
Each facility which will headed by a Technical Development Officer (TDO), and will comprise 16 of the best players in the respective regions. The ultimate aim of the project is to produce players for the senior program through a systematic approach throughout the various youth levels.
Wayne Forde, President of the GFF said “Today’s launch of the GFF-Scotiabank Academy Training Centers (ATC) is yet another compelling example of how things have changed for the better, over the period of just one year. It is our humble expectation, that all of Guyana can finally bear witness to an Executive Committee that is fully focused on the development of football, by implementing the necessary reforms that will forever change the way the game is run. “
According to Forde, “This nationwide network of GFF-Scotiabank Academy Training Centers will play a major part in our plan to transform football in Guyana. It is a special moment for us, after months of preparations and hard work. I would like to thank our Technical Director Mr. Ian Greenwood and his team for their efforts, and for their commitment to delivering real, positive change”.
He affirmed “I would also like to take this opportunity to say a very special thank you to our corporate partner and sponsor – SCOTIABANK – for this programme but more importantly, for fixing your gaze on the ultimate beneficiary of the game – its players. The GFF is honored to be working with you to help develop our nation’s young footballers. You have shown time and time again that you are committed to helping our young sportsmen and women achieve their goals”.
Forde further said “We are delighted that you, like us, can see the great value and potential in the emerging National football brand, and in the good work we are doing. This is so important for the GFF, as we restore stability and credibility, that we have the support of highly respected, international brands such as Scotiabank.
Forde declared that the aim of the project is to get more players involved, scour the nation to find new talents and better equip the players for the rigors of international game, adding “This is towards the goal of enabling Guyana and its footballers to truly shine on the global stage. I want to encourage our new Technical Development Officers and Youth Development Coaches to embrace their new roles with passion and commitment. You each have an exciting journey ahead of you as you help us deliver this programme. It is a big responsibility but we have every faith in you. We know you will do a fantastic job”.
“Today marks a giant leap towards realizing that dream of success as we embark on a new era of hope for football in Guyana. I want to wish the best of luck to all of our new Technical Development Officers, Youth Development Coaches, and to the boys and girls who will bring the Academy Training Centers to life across the nation. I hope to see many of you making our country proud on the international stage. This is your chance to shine: Seize it. Rest assured, the GFF, our Member Associations and partners will be with you every step of the way. One Team, one Dream” he added.
Meanwhile, Scotiabank Marketing Manager Jennifer Cipriani said, “Today marks a momentous occasion for the Scotiabank sponsorship calendar, noting that the company has a rich history in the fabric of the Caribbean.
According to Cipriani, the partnership with the GFF correlates perfectly with the sponsorship strategy of the region, declaring the training centers will play its part in building a team that can achieve a berth to the FIFA World Cup.
She revealed that the initiative will also place emphasis on the importance of academic excellence, noting the company will donate a sum of $GYD 600,000 as a bursary award to members of the academy that excel both on and off the field.
Cipriani further thanked the GFF for affording the partnership to the company, noting that intention is develop football in the country.
On the other hand, Ivan Persaud, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC) said “It’s a very solid program, this is something that Guyana as been waiting for a long time and finally it’s here. I called on anyone who knows football to try and this credit this program”.
According to Persaud “As a trained person in football, I would like to ask the GFF to make sure the youngsters grow with the habit of football to make sure when they arrive at the senior team that they come with all that it takes to play at the highest level”.
He further declared that whomever is at the helm of the federation should not discard this important program, adding “We have to give this executive the opportunity to work and stop the fighting in football. The NSC is committed and on board with every aspect because this is where we have to focus if we are to build”.
