The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and the Mayor and Town Council of New Amsterdam (NA) have inked a 30-year land lease for the Vryman’s Erven ground, which will serve as the site for the region’s first football facility.
According to an official release from the GFF, the lease was signed at the municipality building by GFF President Wayne Forde and NA Mayor Winifred Heywood.
Also present at the signing were Berbice Football Association (BFA) reps including Acting President Shurwin Forde.
The facility, which will be constructed under the FIFA Forward Programme, will include a field, perimeter fence, lighting and a housing facility.
Mayor Heywood said, “I would like to thank the members of the council for supporting and endorsing the application submitted by the GFF. Today’s signing is the first step in providing opportunities for young boys and girls of the community.” Meanwhile, the GFF’s Forde said, “I would like to thank everyone who played a role in making this symbolic achievement possible. The GFF recognises the importance and impact quality infrastructure will have on the overall development of the game and the quality of players we will produce in the years ahead. This is a key pillar of our strategic plan to change the local landscape of football.”
The BFA’s Forde added, “This is a dream come through for me personally. I almost lost hope in ever seeing a home for football in Berbice. I have played at every level for many years and always knew that a dedicated venue for developmental programmes would dramatically improve Berbice football. I would like to thank President Wayne Forde for his leadership and guidance in seeing this process through, which began almost two years ago.”
