20 coaches trained to expand grassroots football across 5 associations

Twenty coaches from five regional associations are preparing to deliver community football clinics after the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) completed a two-day workshop and children’s clinic under the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Bigger Game Academy Pilot Programme on September 17 and 18.

The training sets the stage for a 10-week programme for children aged six to 12, combining football development with lessons in teamwork, respect, resilience, child protection, equality and social inclusion. A festival is scheduled to conclude the initiative at the end of 2026.
Coaches from East Demerara, Georgetown, East Bank, West Demerara, and Upper Demerara will select communities and, with support from volunteers, deliver the structured curriculum.
CONCACAF Coach Educators Joe Supe, Tashana Vincent and Roberto Lopez led the training, assisted by GFF Technical Director Bryan Joseph and Coach Educator Lyndon France.
The opening day, hosted at the Guyana Olympic Association, examined the role of coaches, the qualities needed to coach effectively, the responsibilities of coach educators and safeguarding. Interactive discussions and practical exercises helped participants apply the concepts covered.
Attention shifted to the National Training Centre on September 18, when more than 100 children from various schools participated in a football clinic. GFF and CONCACAF facilitators guided them through drills and group activities that combined skill development with teamwork and positive values.
GFF President Wayne Forde welcomed the initiative, describing investment in coaches as an important part of developing football and creating more opportunities for children.
“Our coaches are key to the growth and development of the game,” Forde said.
He thanked CONCACAF for bringing the pilot programme to Guyana and said the training gave coaches knowledge, tools and practical experience to support their communities. He also reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to providing safe, inclusive and supportive football experiences for more children.
The Bigger Game Academy is CONCACAF’s flagship grassroots football-for-development programme. It prepares teachers, coaches and community leaders to run clinics that connect football skills with life lessons and positive social values.
According to the GFF release, the academy has trained more than 430 coaches and reached over 2100 children across 17 participating CONCACAF Member Associations over the past year.
The federation said Guyana’s participation supports its wider efforts to improve coach education and extend inclusive grassroots football opportunities to communities across the country.