The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has partnered with Space Gym to aid the preparation of the Senior Men’s National Team for the March 23 CONCACAF Nations League encounter against Belize.
This partnership, officially brokered on February 7, will see the team utilising the gym’s facilities on Tuesdays and Thursdays to achieve the best physical condition possible for the all-important match.
In an invited comment, Proprietor of Space Gym, Lucas Matos said the partnership is mutually beneficial: “The partnership is really important for both of us – management at Space Gym and the Federation. I think we can provide a better performance for the athletes. We have the space and the equipment which will aid the preparation of the athletes for the match on the March 23. Therefore, the
Proprietor of Space Gym Lucas Matos exchanges a handshake with Golden Jaguars’ Anthony Benfield to signal the start of the GFF-Space Gym Partnership. Wilson Toledo is at far left while Ian Greenwood is at far right
partnership is important for both of us as it will help develop football in Guyana. We know it’s not where it should be as yet but we think our partnership should help the process.”
Player representative, Anthony Benfield, who was on site during the engagement, also expressed his delight at the partnership: “I think this is the way to go going forward in the preparation of teams. I think the gym is first-class and will aid the team and have us better prepared for the March 23 match against Belize as well as for future matches.”
For his part, GFF’s Technical Director Ian Greenwood said the work done in the gym will be necessary and complementary to the work done on the field: “GFF is very excited to partner with Space Gym. It’s a fantastic facility with top-class equipment. This will prove vital towards our preparation heading towards the Belize game. The work they will do in the gym with the trainers and Coach Wilson Toledo will complement the work they are doing on the field so I think it’s a fantastic partnership and we are looking forward to prepare all the players. We are very excited that Space Gym has come on board with the GFF.” Fitness Coach Wilson Toledo, who will supervise the players’ workout regimen, noted the importance of strength training for the team and said, “the training will aim to improve endurance and power, as well as an increase in muscle mass.” Matos said the gym offers a variety of services, including aerobic classes, personal trainers, unlimited access to the facility seven days a week, including holidays and access to various workout equipment.
The facility has previously collaborated with other sports organisations, including the Guyana Cricket Board and allowed the female Australian Cricket team access to the facility during the recent ICC Women’s World Cup held in Guyana.
