Latest update April 7th, 2025 12:08 AM
GFF NAMILCO Thunderbolt flour power National U17 league to commence on July 9
By Zaheer Mohamed
The Guyana Football Federation NAMILCO Thunderbolt flour power National U17 league is set to commence on July 9 following a hiatus of two years.
GFF President Wayne Forde (left) accepts the cheque from Finance Control Manager of NAMILCO Fitzroy McLeod in the presence of representatives of both entities and players.
This was disclosed at the launching ceremony which was held yesterday at the GFF National Training Centre, Providence.
The tournament will kick off in the league stage in each area association and the winners will advance to the national playoffs.
Those associations are Rupununi Football Association, Upper Demerara FA, East Bank FA, Georgetown FA, East Demerara FA, Berbice FA, West Demerara FA, Essequibo Coast/Pomeroon FA, Bartica FA and teams in Region #1.
Speaking at the ceremony, GFF President Wayne Forde said the first youth development nationwide inter association league that was launched by his administration was done in partnership with NAMILCO. “Like many other partnerships, it has had its successes, but we have also had our challenges and I believe what comes to mind at this moment is that fact that we have been able to celebrate our success and work though the details of the decisions that we need to take together to negate those challenges, “ he added.
Action in the exhibition game between Herstelling and the National U17 team. (Zaheer Mohamed photos)
Forde noted that many young players have benefitted from this partnership over the years notably the likes of Jeremy Garrett, Omari Glasgow, Ryan Hackett and many others who are now part of the Golden Jaguars senior men’s team. “Seeing them graduating from this competition and now representing the Golden Arrow Head is a tremendous source of pride for the GFF and NAMILCO,” he stated.
Forde stated that they will continue to work as hard as they have to and take the decisions that are necessary to ensure that all nine of the regional associations organise and manage the league with the quality that it deserve. He thanked the sponsors.
Finance Control Manager of NAMILCO Fitzroy McLeod said it is well known that one of the most important things for young footballers to develop is to have frequent competitions. And for Guyana’s football to be able to compete at the international level this was one of the missing links.
“NAMILCO wants to participate in something that will impact the country, through this competition we believe that we will,” he posited.
McLeod said they are looking forward to continuous success and encouraged the youths to work hard. “We look forward to seeing you in the future and on behalf of the management I ask that you the players conduct yourselves in a way that will bring credit to your team and tournament,” he said.
Brandon Joseph expressed gratitude to the sponsors and said this competition will serve as preparation for the CONCACAAF U17 championship.
He added that it gives the players an opportunity to showcase their skills and also gives an opportunity to scout players which will help to strengthen the national team.
He pointed out that they were unable to play the national U17 championship prior to the U16 team being selected to play in Bosnia so most of the players there lacked game time.
Meanwhile, The GFF is working towards setting up an interim body in region one as they look to establish the area as an additional regional association.
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