The Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) Access Grassroots Programme made an impressive start with its inaugural on-field session on Sunday, drawing 65 enthusiastic young footballers to the St. Pius Ground in Georgetown.
These young participants, hailing from West La Penitence communities, engaged in a fun and interactive football session, with a focus on teaching fundamental skills, guided by coaches Gordon Braithwaite, Dennis Hunte, Vibert Butts, Colin Tasher, Lloyd Smith, and Troy Wright.
The Access Grassroots Programme is a recent addition to national youth development efforts, with the primary goal of promoting greater involvement in football among boys and girls aged five to twelve. Special emphasis is placed on inner-city communities to ensure maximum participation.
GFF President Wayne Forde expressed his satisfaction with the turnout and commended the grassroots coaches for their management of the enthusiastic children. He noted, “We had a massive turnout of children from the age of five all the way up to 15 years old. We had all the coaches working in their groups, and I believe it was a really good afternoon for the young boys and girls who came out today. I would have to say it’s probably the best day one could have expected for this programme.”
While the pilot program is currently in Georgetown, the plan is to extend it nationwide. Grassroots coaches will receive training in line with the guidelines established by the GFF Technical Department.
Five new Access Grassroots Programme coaches officially signed their appointment letters on October 20 and received essential equipment, including bibs, balls, and cones, through the Member Assistance Financial Programme (M-FAP).
In early October, these coaches completed an intensive workshop organized by the GFF Coaching Department. The workshop covered various crucial topics, including child safeguarding, grassroots structure, technical development, and the roles of grassroots players and coaches, providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge to be effective coaches and mentors for the Access Grassroots Programme.
During the first on-field session on Sunday, coaches had the chance to apply the knowledge and skills they had acquired. Coach Dennis Hunte declared the afternoon a success and expressed his anticipation of more children joining to learn the game, preparing for the future.
Vibert Butts, who trained the eight to ten-year-old group, mentioned that the youngsters had an enjoyable experience, and as the program progresses, they will implement systems.A notable aspect of the Access Grassroots Programme is the mobility of coaches who will travel to different venues to provide training in essential skills to future football stars.
These grassroots initiatives are funded through M-FAP and encompass various programs, including the establishment of regional Academy Training Centers (ATC), year-round grassroots programs by Regional Associations, and support for various football clubs.
Under President Forde’s leadership, the GFF remains dedicated to investing in the grassroots ecosystem, providing young boys and girls accessible opportunities to engage with the fundamental aspects of football.
