by Travis Seymour
The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has embarked on a transformative journey to elevate the country’s football prowess on the international stage through the implementation of a comprehensive high-performance program.
Supported by FIFA’s talent development scheme, the GFF initiated the local elite high-performance program following approval in October 2023 and a substantial funding injection of $50,000 US dollars.
This initiative targets the grooming of the country’s top under-15 and under-16 players, with approximately 20-25 individuals participating in rigorous training sessions three days a week.
Brian Joseph, the Technical Director of the GFF, elucidated the vision behind this strategic move, emphasizing the necessity of cultivating a culture of excellence within the nation’s football landscape.
Joseph revealed that the GFF has leveraged its Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Racing Madrid, established in 2023, to access technical expertise unavailable locally.
Renowned UEFA pro license coach and former Real Madrid player, Rueben De La Red Gutiérrez, has been enlisted to assess the program’s needs and craft a tailored development plan.
Additionally, the GFF benefits from the guidance of FIFA technical consultant Len Lake, further enhancing the program’s effectiveness in nurturing young football talents.
Racing Madrid FC President, Steve Nijjar, expressed the club’s commitment to supporting Guyana’s football aspirations, citing a burgeoning connection between the two entities.
Nijjar commended the GFF for its visionary leadership and expressed optimism about forging a long-term partnership aimed at enhancing the sport locally.
As the GFF’s high-performance program gains momentum, the ultimate goal remains securing a place for Guyana in the 2025 Under-17 World Cup, signaling a promising future for football development in the country.