GFF Under-17 Youth Ensemble Programme kicks off nationwide this weekend

The Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) Under-17 Youth Ensemble Programme will begin across the country this weekend, September 12-13, with a separate competition for six Elite League clubs being introduced as a new feature.
The Under-17 tournament is the third level of competition launched during the inaugural year of the Youth Ensemble Programme, following the completion of the Under-13 and Under-15 competitions.
All nine GFF Regional Associations will organise matches within their respective jurisdictions, providing young footballers with regular competition and opportunities to be identified for further development.
The programme is being delivered by the GFF in partnership with FIFA. An annual investment of $44 million will be made over four years, representing the largest financial commitment to youth football in Guyana’s history.
The East Bank Football Association will begin its competition at the National Training Centre on Saturday. Friendship Allstars Football Club (FC) will oppose Pro Elevate Sports Academy at 10:00h, before Swan FC meet Timehri United FC at noon.

Three matches are scheduled for the Parade Ground under the Georgetown Football Association. Vurlon Mills Football Academy will face Pele FC, Eastveldt FC will battle Beacon FC, and BlackPearl FC will take on Riddim Squad FC.
The East Demerara Football Association will stage four matches at the Victoria Ground from 10:00h. Mahaica Determinators will play Mahaicony Western Lions, Plaisance will meet BV Triumph United, Buxton Stars will face Melanie, and Ann’s Grove United will oppose Victoria Kings. The association’s competition will continue on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the new Elite Under-17 competition will run simultaneously with the Youth Ensemble matches organised by the Regional Associations.
Guyana Police Force FC, Guyana Defence Force FC, Santos FC, Slingerz FC, Western Tigers FC and Fruta Conquerors FC are the six participating Elite League clubs.
According to the GFF, the additional competition is intended to expose young players to a higher standard of football and create a stronger pathway from the youth level to senior domestic competition.
The Under-17 rollout follows the conclusion of the Under-13 and Under-15 tournaments earlier this month.
Vurlon Mills Football Academy won the Under-13 title on September 5, with YMCA finishing second. Potaro Strikers FC secured third place after defeating Plaisance FC on penalties.
The academy completed a double one day later by defeating Buxton Stars 4-2 in the Under-15 final. Challengers FC claimed third place with a 4-3 victory over Friendship FC.
GFF President Wayne Forde congratulated the Regional Associations for supporting the programme and preparing their teams for the latest phase.
“Congratulations to the Regional Associations for their continued embrace of this groundbreaking initiative and thank you for your work in registering teams and preparing for the U17 phase. I wish all participating clubs every success in the tournament,” Forde said.
“I also encourage fans to come out, bring their energy and enthusiasm, and create an exciting atmosphere that inspires Guyana’s young football stars.”
The Under-17 competition forms part of the GFF’s effort to expand structured youth football nationwide and provide more opportunities for players to progress through Guyana’s football system.