GFF, UEFA collaborate on action plan

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) in collaboration with the Union of European Football Association (UEFA), is working to develop a 100 day action plan which forms part of the latter’s ‘Bounceback’ Programme to pave the way for the resumption of sports activities.

According to a  GFF release, “Under UEFA’s second Bounceback partnership in the Concacaf region, European football administration and development experts are collaborating closely with the GFF team to prepare and execute its post-pandemic football recovery strategy, covering areas such as planning, communications, finance, fan engagement, remote working and crisis planning.”

GFF President Wayne Forde said, “In this crucial period of transition, we are committed to focusing all of our time and efforts on ensuring that football hits the ground running as soon as the authorities give us the green light. Through the UEFA Bounceback programme, we are receiving expert support to finetune our action plan and to equip our entire team with the tools it needs to continue to deliver on our strategic goal to transform football in Guyana.”

He added, “The programme also underlines the significant progress we have made in building strong and productive relationships with our global partners as part of the Executive Committee’s long-term pledge to restore and enhance the GFF’s international image and to leave a strong legacy and foundation for future generations.

“We would like to thank our European friends and partners for their ongoing support and we look forward to making further landmark announcements related to the UEFA Assist programme in the very near future.”

According to the release, UEFA Experts are connecting with the various GFF departments digitally via video conference workshops over the duration of five weeks. The focus of the forums will be on thorough situational analysis, building unity and togetherness within the football community, action planning for the future and preparation for the delivery of the Federation’s 100-day “Bounceback” plan.  Upon the end of the programme, the UEFA experts will continue to provide support to the respective GFF Head of Departments.

The partnership signifies an ever increasing relationship between the GFF and UEFA via its Assist Programme, which provides the requisite support in capacity building, youth football development and infrastructure projects while also fostering communication and cooperation between UEFA member associations and other national governing bodies.

The correspondence further stated, “In February, the GFF received two minibuses to bolster its youth development programmes by improving access to, and reducing the costs associated with the running of, its national network of GFF Academy Training Centres. In 2019, also as part of UEFA Assist, the GFF and the Denmark Football Association signed an historic six-year Memorandum of Understanding focused on providing technical and operational assistance ahead of the Concacaf region’s hosting of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”