First FIFA Forward Project commissioned
─ the state-of-the-art all-weather artificial facility aims to boost sport development and to produce a higher quality of footballers
DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, May 14, 2019
Guyana’s much-anticipated first FIFA Forward Project was officially commissioned, on Monday, at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) National Training Centre, East Bank of Demerara.
This state-of-the-art all-weather artificial facility aims to boost sport development and to produce a higher quality of footballers. The construction of this facility commenced in August 2017. However, it was delayed for six months and eventually completed in December 2018.
FIFA’s Director of Member Associations, Veron Mosengo-Omba said that this initiative is aligned with the agency’s 2.0 vision which aims to invest in the game of football while increasing the participation of players and coaches among others.
He noted that FIFA recognises the challenges of Caribbean football hence its decision to assist as a way to promote the game of football, protect its integrity and bring the game to all interested. “FIFA is proud of the progress that have been made by Guyana Football Federation (GFF) under the leadership of its president.”
Director of Sport, Christopher Jones said that the Coalition Government recognises the importance of sport development which promotes youth’s participation in various sporting disciplines. This, he said, will also allow for scouting for young talents.
“We are here today, to reaffirm the government’s commitment to President of GFF Wayne Forde and FIFA that where it is necessary to provide the same opportunities and amenities to our athletes, we want you to rest assured that such will be done,” Jones added. He hopes to commission a similar facility at the D’urban Park soon, to benefit other athletes.
President of GFF, Wayne Forde said that while it took almost three decades to deliver on this promise, it is a proud achievement for the local footballers. This, he said, is also a reminder of the limitless potential of a stable and unified football fraternity.
“The unavailability of good quality football facilities across our country continues to strangle the progress of the game. Football cannot fully develop without the proper playing surfaces, changing rooms and field light. We [GFF] have set ourselves an ambitious target to construct one artificial field in each of our nine Regional Member Associations (RMAs), over the next five years,” Forde noted.
With the support of the government and other stakeholders, the dream to establish a field in each RMA can be achieved, according to the GFF President.
“It pleases me, therefore, to dedicate the GFF National Training Centre to the dreams and aspirations of every boy and girl who will go on to represent the Republic of Guyana with distinction in the future,” he added.
It was highlighted that there will be other modifications to the facility such as the addition of a technical department which will also see the installation of various training apparatuses to aid the development of talent.
Neola Damon.
Images: Giovanni Gajie.