The Guyana Football Federation (GFF)-Kool Kidz Summer Festival is back for another exciting camp.
The partnership between the GFF and Guyana Beverages Inc will see boys and girls from Georgetown, East Coast Demerara, East Bank Demerara and West Demerara benefit from free weekly football sessions on Saturdays, led by professional coaches from August 3 to 31.
At the launch ceremony on July 26 at the GFF headquarters in Georgetown, GFF President Wayne Forde revealed that the programme would have two phases, the first will focus on teaching the fundamentals of football and the second will be a mini U11 boys and girls tournament.
“We will be focusing primarily on kids between the ages of 7-11, but will also accommodate older children, everyone will be welcomed,” remarked President Forde.
GFF President Wayne Forde
He shared that the first instalment in 2022 was such a success that “many parents have reached out to the Federation over the past few weeks, eager to find out when their children can come and experience the fundamentals of the game.”
A three-year partnership was signed in 2022, initially centred around a futsal training programme at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall in Georgetown, which saw participation from over 200 children.
However, the camp was not held in 2023 due to renovations at the sports facility. This year, the programme has been moved to the open-air setting of the Federation’s National Training Centre in Providence, East Bank Demerara.
“This is a key part of our early talent identification programme,” said Forde. “Young boys and girls with potential and aptitude for the game will be identified for further development.”
This grassroots initiative offers a fun and safe environment, giving all participants the chance to build friendships and develop their skills.
Guyana Beverages Inc General Manager Samuel Arjoon noted that his company’s relationship with the GFF has been ongoing for years and praised President Forde and his team for their “management of the affairs of football in Guyana”.
He said the core value of Guyana Beverages Inc is “human capital and this sponsorship of the Kool Kidz Summer Festival aligns with that, because it helps with the development of our human resources in the form of sports.”
Arjoon added that the Kool Kidz brand “encourages kids to keep moving to have a healthy lifestyle and, as you know, football… [is] more than a sport, it’s part of a lifestyle that brings about discipline with kids. It helps them to be resilient, communicate better, teaches life skills, and so much more.”
Under the guidance of a coaching staff trained in child safety, the youngsters at the camp will play multiple matches, with teams consisting of four players to allow coaches to provide focused instruction and support.
