…Vital for Elite Clubs’ regional/international eligibility
The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has launched the CONCACAF ‘C’ Licensing Coach Training Programme on Monday afternoon at the National Training Centre (NTC) at Providence, EBD.
With ownership of the ‘C’ Licence being particularly crucial for Elite League clubs aiming to participate in regional competitions such as the Caribbean Shield, this training marks a significant step for coaches across Guyana, in that it is expected to enhance coaching standards within the league and ensure compliance with CONCACAF requirements for club licensing. Several clubs are thus participating in this training, and each coach has committed to staying the course.
GFF President Wayne Forde has commended these coaches for investing their time and resources in this critical programme. “I’m happy to see such a broad representation of coaches here today,” he said. “This commitment speaks to the dedication each of you brings to your roles, driven by your passion for developing players, both junior and senior.”
The CONCACAF ‘C’ Licence equips coaches with an internationally recognized standard in the skills necessary to conduct practical training sessions for diverse player needs and scenarios, and would be especially useful for youth development through the network of the GFF’s Academy Training Centres (ATC).
Some of the coaches who would benefit from the ‘C’ Licence programme
For the first time ever, the GFF is requiring a registration fee to participate in this programme, and Forde has noted that the positive response from coaches in this regard is a welcome show of commitment.
“The financial contribution each of you made is something I am extremely pleased about. It’s an encouraging sign of the value you place on the education provided,” he has said.
The need for clubs to possess a ‘C’ Licence has become pressing with CONCACAF emphasizing strict adherence to licensing standards for regional and international eligibility. Forde has outlined that Elite League clubs must now meet all licensing criteria to compete beyond national borders.
“This licence is necessary for clubs that aspire to compete regionally. Should a club win the league, they must comply with CONCACAF’s criteria to represent Guyana in events like the Caribbean Shield,” he said. “If they fall short, they simply will not be eligible; which would not be in the best interest of the GFF, the clubs, or the players.”
Led by experienced CONCACAF and GFF trainers, classes will continue over the next few days, with practical and classroom-based sessions being done to ensure coaches meet the highest standards.
Forde is encouraging the coaches to maximize their learning and to be engaged fully throughout the programme. In emphasizing the value of the expertise shared, he said, “This programme provides new ways of coaching, and we expect coaches to bring this education to their clubs and communities.”
GFF has been prioritizing the raising of the level of coaching across Guyana since 2015, including introducing ‘D’ Licences with which over 120 coaches are now certified. As it moves towards full implementation of the ‘C’ Licence, the launch of this programme signifies both a professional milestone for local coaches and an essential compliance step for the GFF’s Elite League clubs.
