With the objective of expanding the pool of referees, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) launched its nationwide ‘Refereeing Recruitment Campaign’ yesterday at their Section-K Campbellville headquarters.
The programme, which is being launched under the theme of ‘Get Involved’, targets individuals between the ages of 16-25.
President of the GFF Wayne Forde commended the GFF Referees Department for implementing the necessary structures that are required for the launching of this vital project, adding that the initiative mirrors the intention of FIFA to get every individual worldwide involved in the sport in any capacity.
According to Forde, the GFF is committed to providing the requisite investment and resources required for the success of individuals involved.
“We believe with the work and the investment of the secretariat, and the systems that will be put in place, everyone will be given an equal opportunity to succeed.”
He opined that the programme is of critical importance as the aim is to launch a robust and expansive football calendar in 2021, and will require the services of quality referees at all levels and in all regions to implement their programmes.
Head of the GFF Referee Department, Dion Inniss, disclosed that the reasons for launching were centered on the fact that the fraternity requires “new blood and energetic legs”, adding that the intention is to target the age range of 16-25 which can provide more than 15 years of service locally and internationally.
GFF Technical Director Ian Greenwood stated that the programme is “vitally important for the continued development of the local football.”
He added that the quality of the discipline can improve once there is access to improved officiating at every level.
According to Greenwood, another important focus of the programme is the targeting of female officials which has become an immediate priority of international entities FIFA and CONCACAF. He noted that large groups of quality officials are required in every region to improve the respective age level, adding “Guyana has produced top class referees in the CONCACAF region in the past.”
Meanwhile, FIFA Referee Maureese Skeete, who is also a Staff Sergeant in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) said, “It’s an exciting time to be a referee. My only regret is that I didn’t join it sooner. I have an exciting career but refereeing is a lot of hard work and you have to be dedicated and self-motivated and sky will be the limit.
“I want to applaud the GFF for launching this initiative and encourage everyone to get involved,” he declared.
