Restart of local football: GFF outfits hinterland teams for relaunch of regional leagues
In line with its long-term strategy to accelerate the development of male and female football in hinterland regions, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has supplied football equipment to teams across the Rupununi in preparation for the national relaunch of regional association league football this weekend.
The GFF has provided 52 footballs and 300 training bibs to 26 clubs, including men’s and women’s teams affiliated to the Rupununi Football Association (RFA), which operates four district-based leagues across Region 9.
“This is a historic weekend for football in Guyana. (It is) the first time that all nine regional association senior leagues have kicked off in unison across the nation,” GFF President Wayne Forde has said. “As we all know, the Rupununi has an unrivalled passion for the beautiful game among both male and female players, and it is vital that we provide the support needed to ensure they can perform to their best as we return to play after the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The recent provision of equipment has been made possible through the GFF Members Financial Assistance Programme (M-FAP), which democratises and redistributes FIFA Forward and other funding received by the GFF among its membership, under strict accountability criteria, to give members the resources they need to drive the development of football nationwide.
“We look forward to following the progress of these teams across Region 9 as they compete to play in the national playoffs later in the year,” Forde added. “The GFF is committed to continue providing the necessary technical and logistical support to our members and community through our ground-breaking M-FAP development strategy.”
Regional competitive football kicks off across Guyana on Sunday, May 15 (today), under the auspices of the various Football Associations representing Bartica, Berbice, East Coast Demerara, East Bank Demerara, Essequibo/Pomeroon, Georgetown, Rupununi, Upper Demerara, and the West Demerara.