Latest update November 23rd, 2024 12:15 AM
GFA did well, what are the others doing?
Troy Mendonca
By Franklin Wilson
The Georgetown Football Association (GFA) stands like a beacon above their other counterparts under the umbrella of the Guyana Football Federation when it comes to the organising of the sport in 2008.
This association, under the direction of President Troy Mendonca and Honorary Secretary Marlan Cole, enjoyed what can be described as probably the most hectic year for the City association, the season (2008/09) is expected to come to an end in March.
But while all the action has been taking place, the other associations have been struggling to get the ball kicking.
The main cry has been their ability to attract sponsorship and this will always be a major challenge for them.
Georgetown has held nine competitions to date, two of which are still to be completed, the Banks Beer division one and Milo under-21 Leagues. Before the season ends a Futsal and under-16 competitions are also planned.
Associations who are struggling with attracting sponsorship needs to have a chat with the GFA with a view to finding out what has been the reason (s) for their success. They (GFA) have been very robust in their approach to corporate Guyana and by all indications, have been very successful so far.
Competitions concluded includes the Cellink Premier League, Banks Premium Beer Cup, Chubby under-13 League, DeSinco Trading under-17 League, Courts Pee Wee League, Williams Shipping Pee Wee knock-out and Guinness ‘Greatest of De Street’.
The Berbice, Upper Demerara, East Demerara and East Bank Associations have done some work but there is much room for improvement.
Berbice, with sponsorship from Banks DIH ran off a first division competition and with assistance from the Guyana Beverage Inc. started the Fruta Skills tournament which is expected to be concluded this month. They have also held a number of junior tournaments in the Ancient County.
Upper Demerara ran off a knock-out competition and their League, sponsored by Banks Beer and the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport, is still to be completed.
The East Demerara Association hosted junior competitions at the under-15 and 17 levels, the Sweet 16 knock-out and the Mackeson League.
East Bank started late in the year with the Fruta under-13 league and are expected to get the youngsters and seniors much more active in 2009.
West Demerara, Essequibo and Bartica fell short of the mark by a long haul and must show more energy this year.
Female football was almost at a standstill last year also and it has reached a stage now where the governing body needs to seriously assess the performance of their affiliates, rendering assistance wherever necessary.
The various executives must have the yearning to work for the sake of the young ones, especially. It is a known fact that work is done on a voluntary basis but this does not mean that it must be treated lightly. Once you accept the post you must perform the functions to the best of your ability.
This year must be a defining one for association football. It must be one where executives at the club and association levels, be more proactive in charting the way forward for junior and female development.
Coaches, referees and parents are also vital stakeholders in the forward thrust and must understand and play their respective roles.
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