Schools’ Development Officer & Youth Development Coach named

In an effort to continue development of football, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) added two new officers, both former players of the national programme – a Schools’ Development Officer and a Youth Development Coach.
Ceon Bristol and Shurwin Forde were named the Schools’ Development Officer (SDO) and the Youth Development Coach (YDC) respectively and are part of the new youth development strategy employed by the Technical Department of the GFF.
“This is the first time ever the GFF Technical Department has appointed a SDO and it is a key position within the brand new youth development strategy,” explained Ian Greenwood, GFF’s Technical Director.
“Their roles will focus on the development and oversight of all GFF School Football. This will include developing both in-curriculum and extra-curriculum Schools Football programmes. The SDO will also be actively recruiting teachers for the GFF’s Coach Education courses,” Greenwood continued.
Bristol, who was seconded from the Ministry of Education, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge from the school system and the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU). He participated in a number of GFF Youth National Teams.
Meanwhile, Shurwin Forde will be operating as a YDC at the GFF-Scotiabank Academy Training Centre (ATC) in Berbice, with the primary role of teaching the game to the youngsters following the National Playing and Coaching Curriculum.
Greenwood noted: “It’s fantastic to have another former national team player employed by the GFF Technical Department to pass on their knowledge and passion from the game to our young players. We want to continue opening the doors to current and former national team players who want to work within our Development Programmes, but of course they have to have a passion for coaching and a willingness to learn. As we know not every former player can be an effective teacher of the game, but Shurwin has been involved in GFF Technical Training so he understands what is required in his role.”