GFF discusses matters of importance

Jun 14, 2009 Sports

Alpha United to represent Guyana at Inter-Club Tournament

Guyana Football Federation (GFF) in keeping with its earlier pronouncement to engage the media on a more consistent basis to pass on relevant information on issues related to the game’s development and other matters of importance, kept its end of the bargain with a detailed briefing last Friday, at its headquarters.
A wide range of topics were discussed among them being the long delayed GOAL Project, which has received the approval of FIFA and is now awaiting the architect’s impression of the proposed structure, the ‘Win with CONCACAF in CONCACAF’ National League, impending workshops for coaches, Guyanese officials attendance at an ‘Elite Referees Training Programme’ and excerpts from the recently concluded FIFA Congress.
Beginning with the GOAL Project, Federation President Colin Klass revealed that the venture, which will be constructed at Orangestein, East Bank Essequibo, has already been approved by the World Governing Body FIFA, and it is now awaiting the architect’s documentation to start the tender process and thereafter identify the contractor.
According to Klass, the initial phase will include the ground, fencing and dormitories, while all the foundations that are required for a Technical Centre will also be done to accommodate future expansion.
The GFF boss, though clearly not keen on making any premature disclosure on the current state of affairs on the eagerly awaited ‘National League’ would only say that it is development that Guyana sorely needs and his office is working assiduously to get it started.
“I had a discussion with FIFA Development Officer Keith Lok Loy recently and he indicated that all the documents associated with the League are with FIFA, and very shortly we will be receiving a letter to guide us on the way forward,” Klass told Kaieteur Sport.
He informed that Coaches Development Officer Claude Bolton assisted by Lyndon France will be visiting all the GFF affiliates to conduct workshops at no cost to the Federation.
Bolton, who is Guyanese, is no stranger to the GFF, having done similar stints in the past with a number of coaches including current head coach, Paul James.
Klass added that three Guyanese officials will be departing these shores shortly to attend an ‘Elite Referees Training Programme’ that will precede the CONCACAF Gold Cup Tournament.
The three are Dion Inniss, Venton Mars and Stanley Lancaster, with Inniss scheduled to participate in the tournament itself.
Coming out of the Congress, Klass said that FIFA has mandated its affiliates to place serious emphasis on safety and security at venues.
This means that local governing bodies if not satisfied with the safety and security aspects at chosen venues now have the power to not grant permission to its affiliates or promoters.
With concerns growing about the current state many of the local venues have to offer, the question is whether or when will the GFF enforce the directive.
Klass responded by saying that there will be a window period, after which the GFF would be working with the relevant stakeholders to rectify any discrepancy.
Meanwhile, under the Joint Agreement that was signed with Suriname and French Guiana to develop the game among the three territories by way of the Inter-Club Championship, Klass disclosed that once again Alpha United has been selected to represent Guyana in the tournament to be played from June 17-21 in Paramaribo, Suriname.

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