Fruta Conquerors FC intensifies developmental works

Jan 28, 2016 Sports

By Michael Benjamin
Just over a decade ago, the Tucville Playfield was converted into a dumpsite and residents of that

Marlon Cole

community were forced to withstand the unpleasant odor that wafted into their homes at the slightest breeze that blew. Shortly afterwards, the landfill site was closed and the toxic fumes caused daily fires that emitted foul smelling smoke, much to the discomfort of residents. Around that time, Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T), then the Telecommunication Cooperation was the caretaker and after investing huge sums, managed to transform the ground to a semblance of respectability.
Notwithstanding, foul smelling smoke still emanated from the western side of the ground this because of the toxic waste, GT&T had persevered and had constructed a small bleacher at the western end of the field. Exposure to the elements coupled with neglect resulted in the bleacher being reduced to a ramshackled state and the ground, filthy and unplayable. That is, until the administrators of the Fruta Conquerors Football Club (FCFC) sought the intervention of Mayor Hamilton Green to utilize the venue for football and other activities and the rest, as they say, is history.
Despite the unplayable conditions, the then executive members ensured that the youths of that community (and even further afield) benefitted through recreational activity but more specifically, football. Marlon Cole and Ivor Thompson were among the inaugural Presidents and both individuals have made viable contributions to the establishment of the club.
President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Wayne Forde, was elected President of that entity in 2002 and one year later he led his club to the prestigious Kashif and Shanghai football trophy. Mr. Forde

Ivor Thompson

remained at the helm of the FCFC up until 2007 before declining the presidency and paving the way for another administrative football stalwart, Marlon Cole, to assume those duties.
Mr. Forde was then elected as the 1st Vice President of the Guyana Football Association (GFA) under the Troy Mendonca Presidency. Six years after leaving the FCFC, Forde retained the coveted post after a close race with the very individual that had succeeded him, Marlon Cole and the rebuilding process commenced.
Mr. Forde’s ambitions spiraled and he threw his hat in the ring and was subsequently elected to the prestigious post of president of the GFF. Naturally, he was forced to tender his resignation at the helm of the FCFC thus creating a vacuum.
At the moment, that club is operating devoid of a President with the key figures of Secretary, Daniel Thomas, Vice President, Martin Cato and Assistant Secretary Treasurer, Jolyan Lewis, in control of administrative matters. A reliable source revealed that the membership is currently reviewing several aspirants to assume the position of President. “We are toying with a few names but the successful individual must possess certain qualities; Wayne (Forde) has left quite a big shoe to fill,” the source explained.
Over the years, the FCFC has earned a reputation of being one of the (very) few clubs that engages in developmental activities for the players in almost every category. Players are groomed from the infancy stage right up to the senior level thus retaining a rich tradition. Administrators are now putting the modalities in place to establish a female and veteran squad to enhance their programme. “These categories will comprise

Wayne Forde

of mostly home grown players even as we attempt to attract other members,” intimated Mr. Allen.
The club has installed a pool of coaches to bolster its programme, each with individual responsibilities, among them, Calvin Allen (Head), Jersild Wright (assistant head), Rodwell Jamott (U 13 and U-15), Shavis Hescott (U-17), Wayne St Jules (U-17 assistant coach), Asim Victor (physical trainer) and Odet Maxwell (manager).
Kaieteur Sport engaged the Head Coach, Calvin Allen, on the progress of the club and its plans going forward, especially in the absence of a President. He said that his tenure commenced in February 2014 when he succeeded Sampson Gilbert. He admitted that he met a vibrant youth programme but noted that the senior squad was not delivering the goods. “I could not say why and I would not want to surmise least I make a wrong pronouncement,” he replied when asked to sum up the reason for this anomaly.
He said that he set about employing his brand of coaching skills and feels satisfied that the players are making important strides forward. “I think my achievements speak volumes,” he pronounced while pointing out that the club has managed to play its way to the top of the points table in the 2014/15 Division One League. Other achievements include a 4th place finish in the Namilco 2014 championship, 3rd place spot in the Slingerz tournament and a quarter finals place in the 2014 Futsal tournament. “These achievements might not mean much to the casual onlooker but when one takes into consideration where the club came from and where it has its sights, those accomplishments become meritorious,” Allen pronounced.
Further, the club is now positioned at number 4 in the Stag League which commenced last year and is set to recommence soon. The FCFC is positioned behind overall leaders, Slingerz with Alpha United and Pele occupying 2nd and 3rd positions respectively.
Amidst it all, the field has assumed a pristine state over the years and the FCFC has benefitted from corporate chivalry from many business entities which has contributed in great part to the forward thrust of the club. The Guyana Beverage Company, under the stewardship of Managing Director, Robert Selman, has been a great source of support to the extent that the ‘Fruta’ in the club’s name was derived as a show of appreciation.
NAMILCO also extended meaningful chivalric gestures and sponsors a yearly tournament. Even as this reporter spoke with Coach Calvin, a crew from the GT&T visited the venue to assess the cost associated with the erection and proper placement of floodlights. “We continue to receive support from this company,” intimated Allen.
In an earlier interview conducted before he assumed the helm of the GFF Mr. Forde had intimated that administrators were mulling huge infrastructural works including an upgrade of lighting facilities to meet FIFA expectations as well as improved stands and clubhouse to enhance a social environment. With these initiatives in train, Mr. Allen is confident that the Fruta Conquerors FC will shine this year as they aspire to reach the top of the (football) heap.
Mr. Allen also said that (FCFC) administrators are getting ready to commence those works and plans are in train to erect an 80 feet bleacher on the eastern side of the field. This project will also be funded by the GT&T.