Digicel and the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) penned a three-year deal yesterday in what officials say would support the development of football in Guyana, but no figures were released.

Digicel Marketing Director, Donovan White, said at the signing ceremony at Cara Lodge that the sponsorship will run through to 2010 and those to benefit would be the national men’s, national under-23s and the ladies’ teams.

“Digicel is proud to be continuing its support of football in Guyana. As the national team begins preparations for the upcoming Digicel Caribbean Cup and the World Cup qualifiers later this year, it is imperative that they are fully supported in order to further their development and continue to improve their FIFA world ranking jumping 76 places. That might be the best movement by any one team,” White declared.

He said that it meant there was something very positive happening with football in Guyana, adding that his company was happy to be part of the progress.

He said the sponsorship would support the finances of the GFF to some degree but most importantly, Digicel would help the GFF in marketing and promoting the sport locally.

White said the intention was to bring back local support for football in the country and embark on better facilities. President of the GFF, Colin Klass, said that Guyana football and Digicel were in a win-win position and he thanked the telecommunications company for being in partnership with the GFF. “We are delighted that Digicel has come on board to support the development of football in Guyana. They have already shown their support of football throughout the region and we are delighted that this has now been extended to the Guyana Football Federation,” he added.

He said the GFF would benefit from Digicel’s expertise in marketing which was needed by the GFF, adding that it would impact significantly in bringing spectators back to the sport.

Klass said he had held discussions with Minister of Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, in relation to a football field and he was heartened by the response. He called on all Guyana to rally around the team