Lady Jags’ Natalie Nedd secures 4-year scholarship

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and the International Supporters Group (ISG) are proud to announce that for the first time in the history of female football being played in Guyana, a female footballer has been awarded a scholarship to study at an American university.
Natalie Need, Goalkeeper for the senior women’s football team commonly known as the “Lady Jaguars,” began studying at the Graceland University on August 27. Nedd was recruited by the school as part of a programme established by the GFF and ISG to identify and promote national team players for scholarship opportunities in the USA and Canada.
GFF President Wayne Forde, in an invited comment, said providing developmental opportunities for footballers to pursue an education and their football ambitions is part of the mandate of the Executive Committee.
“My constitutional mandate is to develop football, but my moral calling is to create an environment wherein the beautiful game can enrich the lives of every man, woman, and child. That is the full measure of my service to the football community. The Executive Committee is determined to create scholarship opportunities across the world that will give our players access to world class education, along with

solid professional football development experiences. My best wishes and prayers go out to Natalie. Make us proud,” Ford admonished.
“This is a very important first for the women’s programme, and Natalie is a great representative for the programme. We will be following her progress closely,” said Technical Director Ian Greenwood.
For his part, Paul Beresford, GFF’s International Team Coordinator, who went to Iowa for Natalie’s signing ceremony and first college match, said this is a start of a long-term process to achieve development within Guyana.
“This has been part of the vision of the GFF current leadership and the ISG. The partnership is a strong one that I know will benefit not only the players, but the country; as these players give back to Guyana using the knowledge gained from the education afforded to them through these scholarships. We want to make Guyana a primary destination for college coaches to recruit players from going forward,” Beresford revealed.
Head Coach of the “Lady Jaguars,” Dr Ivan Joseph, said having players consistently training and playing is a key strategic element of the national programme.
“A strategic priority of the GFF Women’s National Team is for all our players to play and train year-round. We are proud of Natalie for pursuing her dream and her commitment to getting better every day.”
In extending congratulations to Nedd, “Lady Jaguars” Assistant Coach, Kevin Sherry, said the exposure to college football would greatly contribute to Nedd’s improved performance.
“It is a huge accomplishment and a great reward for all the hard work Natalie has put into her game. Natalie will receive daily training and conditioning which will help her achieve a very high level of performance, which is good for both Natalie and GFF. We wish her well, and hope her success will inspire others to also play in USA and develop their abilities.”
Meanwhile, Head Coach of Graceland University, who recruited and signed Nedd to her four-year scholarship and
was instrumental in working through the challenges she faced during the college application process, expressed his thoughts on Natalie’s arrival.
“We at Graceland University are excited and proud to partner with the Guyana Football Federation and the International Supporters Group to provide a pathway for Guyanese student/athletes to receive a quality education and a fantastic football experience in the USA. Natalie Need is the first recipient, and she is a fine choice. Natalie ticks all of the boxes we are looking for. She is a quality person with great habits and work ethic. I have no doubt that Natalie will succeed in the classroom and on the pitch. I am grateful for the work that Paul Beresford and the Guyana Football Federation is doing to make this opportunity possible.”
Graceland University is located in Iowa, USA, and the team plays in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The Federation is looking forward to welcoming more colleges into the programme, and is looking forward to the impact it will have on Guyanese footballers as well as the country, as these student athletes return to Guyana to repay the investment the federation and the footballing community have made in their education and career.