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DOF Subsea injects 40M; as GFF-DOF partnership aims to enhance Girl’s Development Programme
– A new state-of-the-art DOF/FIFA Arena Girls Academy planned for the Haslington Community
Kaieteur Sports – The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) formally launched a landmark GYD$40 million partnership with DOF Subsea during a ceremonious cocktail event held at the World Trade Centre, marking a major step forward for the development of girls’ football in Guyana.
Delivering remarks at the event, Steven Jacobs underscored the significance of the agreement, noting that the establishment of a girls’ football academy represents far more than a ceremonial milestone. He emphasized that the initiative reflects a tangible commitment to inclusion and creates vital opportunities for young women across the country.
GFF President, Wayne Forde and DOF executive Marco Sclocchi conduct officially signing of the MOU during Friday’s Girls Development Programme launch.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlines a five-year collaboration between GFF and DOF Subsea, with the company committing GYD$40 million to support the operations of the DOF–FIFA Arena Girls Football Academy. This initiative forms a central pillar of GFF’s long-term strategy to expand structured pathways for female players and elevate the standard of women’s football nationally.
At the heart of the partnership is the creation of Guyana’s first dedicated girls’ football academy, aligned with FIFA’s FIFA Arena Project. This global initiative aims to install 1,000 mini-pitches worldwide by 2031, increasing access to safe, inclusive football spaces for youth, particularly in underserved communities.
Guyana is among the first Caribbean nations to roll out the programme, with two modern all-weather pitches planned for Haslington, East Coast Demerara, and Retrieve, Linden. Under the agreement, GFF will design and implement a comprehensive girls’ development programme based primarily at the Haslington facility, while maintaining the flexibility to expand nationwide.
Attending the DOF-GFF partnership deal were (L-R) CONCACAF General Secretary, Philippe Moggio, Keith Lewis, Minister Steven Jacobs, GFF Head Wayne Forde receiving cheque from DOF Subsea executive, Marco Sclocchi with Samuel Shields also sharing the moment.
The programme will adhere to the technical and safeguarding standards of FIFA, CONCACAF, and the Caribbean Football Union. In addition to football training, participants will benefit from structured life skills development, with the long-term aim of producing players capable of representing Guyana internationally within five to six years.
GFF President Wayne Forde described the initiative as a foundational investment in the future of women’s football, highlighting that the academy will serve as a hub for grassroots programmes, school football, and elite youth development. He also expressed appreciation to DOF Subsea for what he called a transformative commitment to the sport.
Representing DOF Subsea, Marco Sclocchi reaffirmed the company’s dedication to social impact through sport, stating that investing in young people strengthens not only individuals but entire communities. He noted that the academy will provide the structure and environment needed for young girls to thrive in a sport grounded in teamwork, respect, and excellence.
Also addressing the gathering, Philippe Moggio highlighted the regional importance of the partnership, describing it as a model of intentional, long-term investment in youth development. He linked the initiative to CONCACAF’s broader “One Concacaf” and “Football First” vision, which has placed significant emphasis on the growth of women’s football across the region.
Minister Jacobs further noted that the Government of Guyana will continue to support the programme through infrastructure development, including a high-performance centre designed to benefit multiple sporting disciplines.
The signing of this agreement represents a decisive advancement in strengthening the ecosystem for women’s football in Guyana, positioning the country as an emerging leader in structured female youth development within the Caribbean.
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