Developments in local football: FIFA-standard floodlights for GFF’s Training Center

Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne Forde has confirmed that floodlights will be installed over the next six months at the Federation’s National Training Centre in Providence, East Bank Demerara.
The US$1.1m floodlight installation project is being funded through the FIFA FORWARD programme, which was launched back in 2016 by FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The project will be undertaken by United States-based company Musco Sport Lighting between May and October of 2023, following a transparent and complete tender process.
The lighting specialist company, which have completed similar projects in Guyana, was the successful bidder in the FIFA-centralized international procurement process. They will engineer, manufacture, and install a four-pole, energy-efficient floodlighting structure designed to produce the appropriate lighting quality and standards for international matches and withstand a wind speed of 85 mph.
GFF President Wayne Forde has said it is a significant step forward in the advancement of football infrastructure standards in Guyana, which is a key priority of the Forde-led administration.

“This is truly a watershed moment for the development of football in Guyana, and a tremendous source of pride for our entire fraternity and the nation. We have already experienced huge benefits of having the first home of football – our National Training Centre (NTC) – which is evidenced by the outstanding performances of our male and female national teams,” Forde said.
The floodlights will make it possible for the GFF to stage and televise international matches for all national teams, extend the training hours of the Golden Jaguars and Lady Jags, and host and televise night matches for the upcoming Elite League, Women’s Development League, and Regional Association Leagues on the FIFA+ digital platform.
“Through the Forward Programme, FIFA initiated in 2016 a new era of global football development. The FIFA Forward Programme is intended to provide tailor- made support for the growth of football in each of our member associations based on three pillars: more investment, more impact, and more oversight. The aim is to make football truly global by providing an opportunity to every player, coach and referee to develop and excel on the pitch,” emphasised the FIFA Director of Member Associations Americas, Jair Bertoni.
In this sense, he added that “Infrastructure is a fundamental means and a key element to achieve this objective. Adequate training and playing facilities are decisive to enable football to develop in-country, and technical centres are the ideal preparation ground for future generations of talented footballers. Therefore, we are very pleased to join efforts with the Guyana Football Federation to accomplish this vision, and particularly in its endeavour to take the Technical Centre in Providence to the next level.
“The GFF and the FIFA MA Americas Sub-division have been working together to design a far-reaching general infrastructure plan for the construction of all the necessary components at these facilities, with the installation of floodlights as the next important step”.
He finally stated FIFA’s expectations about this project: “We are sure that the implementation of this project will be a great success, providing more playing hours and use to the Technical Centre as well as allowing the GFF to host and broadcast international games. It will definitely benefit all national teams, and contribute to domestic football to create a great atmosphere to enjoy our beautiful game in Guyana”.
President Forde, in expressing gratitude to FIFA and the Government of Guyana for supporting the Federation’s football vision, said: “I would like to thank the FIFA Member Association Division for supporting us throughout the bidding process, and the Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, for providing the much-needed tax waivers for the importation of the lighting system. I look forward to inviting all our stakeholders to the official commissioning of the floodlights and a memorable night of exciting football.”
The GFF National Training Centre is Guyana’s first exclusive football facility, which is being constructed by the Wayne Forde-led administration and is funded through the FIFA Forward Programme. The facility has an all-weather regulation size artificial grass pitch, dorms for youth teams, along with other facilities, and is classified as the official home of football in Guyana.