GFF President hails 2025 as turning point for Guyanese football

– signals sustained growth ahead with focus on grassroot athletes

As he reflected on 2025 and the way forward, the President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Wayne Forde, stated that the past year has been defining – one that reinforced their direction and affirmed that the work being done across every level of the game is beginning to yield a lasting impact.
He noted that on the international stage, Guyana’s national teams delivered performances that reshaped perceptions and strengthened confidence.
“The Golden Jaguars’ historic victory over Guatemala marked a defining moment, while the unbeaten campaign of our Under-17 Boys against some of the region’s highest-ranked teams demonstrated maturity, resilience, and growing competitiveness,” he stated in his year in review. Forde added that the women’s programme reached unprecedented heights as the Under-20 Lady Jags qualified for the Concacaf Championship for the first time in history and later broke into the top ten of the Concacaf rankings – an achievement that speaks volumes about the commitment to women’s football and the pathway now firmly in place.
Domestically, he added that the Elite League continued to stand as the standard-bearer for club football, with Season Seven showcasing professionalism, competitiveness, and unity under the theme “Stronger Together”.

“The crowning of Slingerz FC [Football Club] as champions following an unbeaten campaign reflected the strength of the league and the dedication of our clubs. Equally significant was the expansion of women’s domestic football, with the launch of a fully represented Women’s Division One League and the continued growth of the Blue Water Shipping Under-15 Girls Championship, which reached schools and communities across every region of Guyana.”
Beyond the pitch, the Federation, he added, made decisive strides in governance, development, and infrastructure.
He referenced the appointment of a new General Secretary, the establishment of the First Instance Body, and engagement with FIFA and Concacaf through congresses, retreats, and workshops that strengthened the institutional framework of the GFF.

On the other hand, he noted that investments in grassroots football through mini pitches, youth festivals, coaching education, refereeing development, and support to member associations reaffirmed their commitment to building football from the foundation up, while the advancement of key infrastructure projects signalled long-term intent.
“These highlights represent more than isolated successes; they reflect a federation moving with purpose, supported by dedicated members, partners, staff, and stakeholders who believe in what Guyanese football can become.”
The progress of the past year, he added, has laid a strong platform, and as the GFF moves forward, he is confident that their focus remains clear: sustainable growth, inclusivity, and excellence on and off the field.