IWD 2024: Ongoing investment spurs increase in girls and women on Guyana’s football pitches

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF), in partnership with the Women’s Football Association (WFA), with their strong commitment to fostering the progress of women in football, coupled with substantial ongoing investments, has seen a notable upswing in the presence of girls and women on the pitches throughout Guyana.
WFA President Andrea Johnson, in her March 8 International Women’s Day message, stressed that the “advancement of women in football has been a notable and positive trend in recent years, with efforts made to promote inclusivity, gender equality and increased opportunities for female players, referees, coaches and administrators.”
“Today, there are thousands of young girls and women on pitches across Guyana, with dreams of proudly representing their communities, clubs and country,” Johnson shared, adding that “our ongoing goal aligns seamlessly with the United Nations International Women’s Day theme for this year – “Investing in Women: Accelerate Progress.”

GFF President Wayne Forde emphasised that “at the heart of GFF’s core policy is ensuring young girls and women have equal access to opportunities to participate in this beautiful game. We persist in making substantial investments in women’s football, including in the Hinterland regions.
Under Forde’s leadership, the status of women’s football has elevated with the inclusion of a comprehensive grassroots initiative, featuring the establishment of the Academy Training Centre (ATC), the Blue Water Under-15 Girls’ Development League, the Women’s Development League, Women’s Regional Senior League in the Rupununi, Women’s Division One, and a national team programme encompassing both junior and senior teams.
“We continue to strengthen our foundation and to be a part of the collective movement of equal opportunities for women in sports worldwide,” Forde shared.
CONCACAF Referee Kenisha Prescott pointed out in her message that “women’s football has grown tremendously, over the years, especially as it relates to women in the referee fraternity. We’ve seen the growth with women being included in the Men’s World Cup in Qatar which shows that the sport now has nothing to do with gender but it’s all about merit.”
Senior Women’s National Team midfielder Jalade Trim conveyed that “the rise of women’s football is unstoppable. “We are breaking barriers and leaving our mark and I am happy to be a part of it.”
The GFF continues to invest in local, regional, and international workshops, channelling millions into leagues and training programmes for female players and officials. Moreover, through strategic partnerships, the Federation has successfully secured international scholarships for local footballers.