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GFF hosted first Referee Introductory Course for 2025
Kaieteur Sports- The Guyana Football Federation (GFF), through its Refereeing Department, has hosted its first Referee Introductory Course for 2025, marking a strong start to the year’s officiating development calendar. The three-day workshop, which began on Friday, April 11, concluded on Sunday, April 13.
Participants of the three-day Referee Introductory Course
The course, spearheaded by the GFF’s Referee Department, has attracted participants from across all corners of the country, including significant representation from hinterland regions such as Lethem in Region Nine and communities in Regions Two, Three, Five, and Six.
Referees Department Head Lenval Peart described the course as a resounding success, noting the encouraging levels of interest from both male and female participants. “The Guyana Football Federation Referee Department has always done a consistent job of increasing the pool of referees,” Peart stated. “What we have also seen is a high interest of females that want to be a part of the officiating team, which tells us that our landscape of football has become more safe and conducive towards females wanting to be a part of it.”
Peart added that the GFF’s strategy is to ensure the game is well-supported at every level. “We want to continue to increase the pool of referees because of the demand of the game across the country in various areas. We also extend our invitation countrywide because we have individuals from Lethem—at least five persons—from Region Six, Region Five, Region Three, as far as Essequibo (Region Two) as well, and not to mention Region Four. So what that shows is this is like a countrywide recruitment drive.”
Participants in the workshop included professionals from diverse fields, including members of the Guyana Defence Force, teachers, and other public service sectors. The Guyana Football Association (GFA) also sent a representative, signalling the growing trust and collaboration between regional associations and the Federation.
“So what I must mention—this course is a success. It’s our first one for 2025 and we are looking forward to at least two more before the year finishes,” Peart affirmed. “This group seems as if they want to be to the highest level and our work is there to continue to teach and impart our knowledge.”
President of the Guyana Football Federation, Wayne Forde, also lauded the widespread participation, particularly from indigenous communities. “We are extremely proud to see the increased interest from indigenous participants in this year’s introductory course. This level of involvement is a clear indication that our investment in community-based football development is bearing fruit. These young men and women will not only help to elevate the standard of refereeing in their home regions but will also serve as role models and agents of change. Their involvement will ensure football becomes a unifying and empowering force in indigenous communities and across Guyana as a whole.”
The GFF plans to host at least two additional referee courses before the end of 2025, as part of its commitment to strengthening the game’s foundation and ensuring consistent and qualified officiating nationwide.
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