Ministry Inter-Block aiding grassroots football development

Sep 17, 2009 Sports

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Call made for collaboration with GFF

The Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport Inter-Block Football tournaments are underway in several areas around the country, with some already completed, and much attention being focused on the event.
The tournament, the brain child of Parliamentary Secretary in the Sports Ministry, Steve Ninvalle, is in its second year and has shown signs of growth. It has also been accepted among the respective communities it is being staged and has recorded improved crowd support.
Calls are being made for a teaming up of the Ministry and the Guyana Football Federation to work together to not only give the event sanction, but to also assist in development programmes to harness the wealth of new talent being spotted during these series of events.
The Buxton leg of the tournament is currently underway and coordinator Robin Phillips noted that the event has grown since its origins and there is more camaraderie among persons in that community and its neighbours.
Phillips indicated that the tournament in its first edition fielded seven Buxton teams, this year however, they have increased to ten with the addition of the veterans, neighbouring Annandale and Vigilance. He also cited the increase in crowd support for the tournament which is being contested at the Vigilance ground this year.
Phillips also pointed to the emerging talent among the respective teams.
He noted that several of the players would have been involved in street football and their ability was not really highlighted, however, the transformation on the big field has been noteworthy and clubs can build on this, securing many of these players to boost their ranks.
He expressed pleasure with the ministry’s effort, even though it’s just a once per year thing, expressing the desire to see a more collaborative programme and increased activity in this regard.
Meanwhile, Brian Joseph, President of the Upper Demerara Football Association, who is in the forefront of running the Linden leg of the inter-block, expressed satisfaction with the idea of the tournament.
Joseph stated that any organised football activity in the mining town usually draw attention and will get the support of not only the football fraternity but the public. He also visualises the event bringing the members of the community together in a special way.
Joseph cited efforts of the Amelia’s Ward combination and the camaraderie displayed for the common good.
The former national player made a call for a partnering of the ministry and the Guyana Football Federation (GFF). He noted that many players involved at the club level show interest in the event at Linden but are worried of any repercussions based on the fact the event is not sanctioned by the GFF.
Joseph stated that the two entities need to work together for the holistic development of the sport countrywide and this inter-block was a key area to start, pointing to the official sanctioning of the tournament.
He stated that new players are plentiful in the inter-block and many have the talent to make an impact on the club scene.
Meanwhile, PS Ninvalle informed when contacted that the inter-block is here to stay and the ministry will push ahead not only with football but in their quest to include several other sporting disciplines. They have already included volleyball and basketball.
He said the idea has been catching on in the various communities and it only shows that community sport can rival other organised events in relation to wider participation.
Ninvalle expressed pleasure at the way the event is being run and will do his best for its continued success. He has the full backing of Sports Minister Dr. Frank Anthony.
And football coach Joseph ‘Bill’ Wilson added his bit to the discourse, pointing out that the GFF cannot organise and run every tournament and development programme. He noted that they don’t have the resources, financial and otherwise to do so, and that is why they should embrace the inter-block programme.
Wilson, a former national coach, and currently attached to the Beterverwagting Football Club, said the inter-block is essential at the grassroots level because many players cannot break into the club scene initially and if they are confined cannot realise their full potential.
Wilson stated that there are differences and comments that government doesn’t put enough into football, but it is incumbent on the GFF to work with the administration for the development of that particular sport.
He said the inter-block was a good thing despite who is involved and it has helped football in general with the new talent discovered and the bringing out of new fans.
Wilson stated that much more could be done but this is the perfect launch pad for serious development.
The coach chided several big companies for their lack of interest of supporting smaller events and clubs.
He branded this as unfair and that they should share the pot at the grassroots level also.

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