Youth football, especially at the primary school level, will receive a much-needed boost from the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), as representatives from the international organisation are expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Caribbean Community (Caricom).
This is expected to take place when FIFA representatives Véron Mosengo-Omba (Director of Member Associations) and Marlon Glean (Caribbean Regional Director) visit Guyana over the course of May 1-4.
FIFA Director of Member Associations, Véron Mosengo-Omba during a courtesy call with Education Minister Nicolette Henry; GFF President Wayne Forde and GFF First Vice President, Brigadier Bruce Lovell
The MoU, which will be signed at the 31st Meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD), places specific emphasis on the development of youth football throughout the Caribbean Region. One of the focal points of the developmental plan is the primary school football programmes. Assistance will be given to countries to strengthen their programmes, and competitions will be implemented and executed in countries that currently do not have such programmes. The aid will include the provision of necessary equipment to facilitate these competitions, including balls, bibs, and cones.
Another aspect that FIFA is looking to strengthen is the capacity of the technical staff in the Region, including Coaches, match officials and administrators. It will seek to assist with the development and training of all Physical Education teachers within the Caricom Region in football coaching and football management.
This initiative is a direct result of the inaugural visit to Guyana by FIFA President Gianni Infantino in 2017. Infantino sat down with GFF President Wayne Forde and Caricom Secretary General Irwin LaRocque to discuss school football within the Region and committed to facilitating the venture. It was later advanced by Education Minister Nicolette Henry.
FIFA has also committed to engaging Caricom on making travel within the Region hassle free for all FIFA officials and FIFA Member Associations (MA) representatives and national teams.
