Emery Welshman wins Canadian Premier League with Forge FC, wants to open doors for GT players

Canada-born Guyanese striker Emery Welshman

Canada-born Guyanese striker Emery Welshman believes that the new generation of Guyanese players have the ability to play in the Canadian Premier League (CPL).
Welshman, a key player for his club Forge FC that won the CPL 2022 League title, positioned that the major hindrance to Guyanese players getting contracts in the CPL was lack of opportunity rather than talent.
“There are a good bunch of youngsters in Guyana who can play here ( Canada), but the league is still relatively young . And with only eight teams, the spots for foreign players will be limited.
“Opening up opportunities for young Guyanese players in the future is one of my goals,” Welshman said.
Welshman made his debut for Guyana in 2005 against Barbados, scoring in a 2-2 draw. As a pioneer player in the CPL, he has now won three League Championships with Forge in four seasons.


Pointing to this victorious season, the 32-year-old Welshman stated: “”It was a very emotional moment. The year was difficult for me for different reasons. I suffered a few injuries that kept me off the field and far from full fitness. I was also used in different roles, so to end this tough season with a championship makes me very proud.”
Golden Jaguars Coach Jamaal Shabazz, who gave Welshman his first national cap in 2005, thinks the hardworking striker is an ambassador for Guyana.
“Emery is now a mentor for younger players like Omari Glasgow, Curtez Kelman, Darron Niles, and Marcus Wilson in the national team. Having played with clubs in the USA, Canada, Israel and also two Gold Cups for Guyana, he is one of the more experienced players and a team leader.
“We monitor him closely and his achievements in Canada are really ambassadorial for Guyana,” added Shabazz.
Welshman, who feels a special affinity towards Forge FC, says he will keep his options open regarding the next steps for his career.
“Forge is special; however, I got to think about what is the best move for my family and our future,” explained Welshman.
To young and upcoming Guyanese players, Welshman had these words of advice:
“Stay off the streets and focus on your school work and your football.”