GFF President outlines vision and priorities for 2026 Football Season

Jan 16, 2026 Sports

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Kaieteur Sports – As the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) looks ahead to the 2026 football calendar, its President Wayne Forde has reaffirmed the Federation’s commitment to strengthening the sport at every level—from grassroots participation to the elite stage. Building on the momentum generated in 2025, the GFF’s 2026 agenda is firmly anchored in development, professionalism, and capacity building.

A major focus for the upcoming season is the continued professionalisation of Guyana’s senior national teams, the Golden Jaguars and the Lady Jags. According to Forde, this goes beyond on-field performances and extends to the overall operations of the teams.

“In 2026 we are focusing on staffing, logistics, and improved training and playing conditions,” Forde explained. “The new gym at the National Training Centre (NTC) is one such plan and forms part of the strategic investments we have made in technology and technical expertise.”

Despite these strides at the higher level, grassroots football remains at the heart of the Federation’s vision. Forde was clear that this priority has not shifted.

“The aim is to make football more accessible, safer, and enjoyable for boys and girls across our beautiful country, this has not changed,” he stated.

Among the key initiatives planned for 2026 are the continuation of referee development programmes, ongoing preparation of the U17 Boys’ and Girls’ National Teams, the U20 Men’s team, and sustained support for the Lady Jags.

In February, the GFF will commence planning and consultation for the new GFF Youth ENSEMBLE Project, a FIFA-approved youth football strategy.

This initiative will introduce three national boys’ club championships at the U13, U15, and U17 levels, significantly expanding youth participation. The project will be underpinned by several critical pillars, including coaching education, child safeguarding programmes, recruitment of match officials and volunteers, the staging of festivals and competitions, and improved access to safe and suitable playing venues.

While the Boys’ Youth ENSEMBLE Project is set to drive participation among young males, the GFF will continue to prioritise girls’ football development. Given infrastructure limitations at the club level, the Federation will maintain its close collaboration with the Ministry of Education through the FIFA Football for Schools (F4S) Programme to deliver competitions and technical development initiatives for girls.

On the senior front, the GFF President also highlighted the effectiveness of the Federation’s M-FAP Programme, which continues to provide critical funding for senior men’s football across the Regional Associations.

According to him, the Elite League is slated for March kickoff. Forde believes that, with proper execution and the right partnerships, the league has the potential to grow significantly and provide greater rewards for players. Complementing the Elite League will be the Super 16 Cup, which the GFF President confirmed is now a permanent fixture on the football calendar.

On the other side of the pitch, women’s football continues to show encouraging signs of growth. Reflecting on the 2025 season, Forde expressed satisfaction with several programmes, particularly the Women’s Division One League, which he described as a major leap forward.

“More than 200 talented young women competed consistently over a five-month period—something that had never been achieved before in Guyana,” he noted. “Matches were played under the best available conditions at the NTC, with many being highly competitive and a joy to witness.”

The Division One league also set new benchmarks, including a historic first-place prize of one million dollars. Forde commended the leadership of the top female clubs for their investment in the women’s game and expressed confidence that the 2026 season will bring greater balance across all ten teams.

In his closing remarks, Forde extended heartfelt appreciation to all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the 2025 season and called for continued collaboration in 2026.

“In Guyana, football is largely played and enjoyed by our inner-city communities, some of these young players are often raised in challenging environments,” he said. “For many of them, football provides a safe escape, a space to laugh, express themselves, and dream big.”

He emphasised football’s wider social impact, noting its role in combating youth crime, teenage pregnancy, child obesity, and fostering teamwork, life skills, and positive values.

“We can change and improve the lives of our youth through football, this is the true mission of the GFF,” Forde concluded. “I invite our leaders and stakeholders to work with us in meeting this challenge.”

With a packed calendar, bold initiatives, and a clear social vision, the GFF’s 2026 plans signal a determined push to make football a true force for development and unity across Guyana.

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• Football Season, GFF, Guyana football, Wayne Forde

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