GFF, DFA ink historic MoU

The Guyana Football Federation [GFF] and the Denmark Football Association [DFA] yesterday inked an historic developmental Memorandum of Understanding [MoU] at the Pegasus Hotel, Kingston.

Among the attendees at the signing ceremony were DFA President Jesper Moller, UEFA Head of International Relations Eva Pasquier, CONCACAF Senior Project Manager Howard McIntosh and GFF President Wayne Forde.

The areas of development for the project which is also part of the UEFA Assist Programme, will include Coaching Education, Infrastructure Development, Competition Management and Professional Football League Development, Women’s Football, Grassroots Football, Youth Development, Referee Development and Governance and Administration.

The MoU is set to commence next year and will last for six years with the aim of building towards the FIFA World Cup which is scheduled to be held in the CONCACAF region.

DFA President Moller said, “I have come here to learn a lot because that is what football is about.

“Perhaps this could be very good for both of us, that’s why I travelled from Denmark to here, it’s a long journey but I think if we want to build bridges that is what the UEFA Assist is about,” he added.

He continued, “It’s about getting together and building bridges, having discussions and we are quite sure found some common goals that we will try to achieve before 2026 because in 2026 we have one common goal that we want to achieve and that both countries qualify for the World Cup in this confederation….I am sure we will execute on this agreement and I really look forward to working together more.”

GFF Boss Forde said, “Today’s visit is the manifestation of a promise made by someone who I now consider a personal friend but more importantly a friend of Guyana’s Football. By the simple act of affixing our mark to a sheet of paper, today we have sowed the seeds of friendship that in time can produce a harvest of new and exciting opportunities for the long term development of Guyana’s football.”

He added, “Today we were able to establish the terms of our collaborative efforts in the coming years for the implementation of some key strategic objectives and programmes. No one should pretend as though genuine, meaningful and sustainable football development in a small nation is easy, it is not and would also assure you that good intentions are simply not enough.

“For football to grow in any country, big or small, genuine partnerships that ensures all seasons are essential. The DBU [Danish FA], and the GFF have taken the first step, in a long journey that has the potential to completely transform the beautiful game in Guyana. I wish to assure President Moller of the GFF’s commitment to the principles of this partnership and to thank him for the role he has personally played in making this a reality.

“I am leading an executive committee whose focus has never shifted from the importance of laying the foundation for long-term and sustainable development. Today is a truly historic day for the Guyana Football Fraternity and I am proud and honoured to answer the call to service,” Forde added.

UEFA Head of International Relations Eva Pasquier, praised DFA President Moller for the partnership, stating that partnerships and programmes which feature member associations from different confederations is the goal of the UEFA Assist initiative.

She stated that UEFA is committed to supporting the project in an effort to improve the quality of Guyana’s football in the future.

McIntosh declared that the signing of the partnership is another milestone and landmark for Guyana, adding “The GFF has demonstrated a level of leadership, of course the president directs the course of action but we at CONCACAF are very pleased with what we see happening in football in Guyana. The leadership, the necessary governance, the level of administration that is taking place. We are very pleased and here to pledge our continued support to Guyana and support the GFF with this new initiative that they are undertaking.”