Access Grassroots Programme resumes with Georgetown sessions

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Access Grassroots Programme has resumed this month, hosting sessions at West Ruimveldt and Parade Grounds in Georgetown.
Coaches Colin Tasher and Gordon Braithwaite have led engaging training exercises aimed at teaching fundamental football skills to boys and girls aged five to twelve since early July.
GFF Technical Director Bryan Joseph said he was pleased with the enthusiasm shown by both young players and coaches.
“I think we’re ticking the boxes. We are definitely making the game more accessible by reconnecting former stalwarts with youths and creating opportunities for them to learn the fundamentals of football,” he said.
Funded through the GFF Members Financial Assistance Programme (M-FAP), the programme complements the Federation’s national youth development initiatives.
Nine youth coaches, who are former national players, will travel to different venues, particularly focusing on inner-city communities to ensure broad participation and skill development among future football stars. Coaches have received essential equipment including balls, bibs, and cones.
Coach Tasher described the sessions positively, stating, “It was a nice session. We started with sprinting, stretching and ball control.”
He noted that several youngsters, some as young as seven years old, are “very skilful”.
The youths also received a motivational talk from a representative of the Guyana Police Force, encouraging them to stay focused on football and steer clear of trouble.
Launched in October 2023 in Georgetown, the initiative aims to ensure year-round access to grassroots football. The Federation has set up Academy Training Centres (ATCs) across its nine Member Associations since 2017.
Sessions will continue every Thursday and Saturday at Parade Ground and West Ruimveldt Ground.