Technical Director (TD) of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Claude Bolton, officially unveiled yesterday the entity’s ‘Next Generation Project’ a development manifesto which will chart the course for the future development of the sport.
The six-page programme, which will be divided into integral pillars and sections, maps the direction intended to be taken by the developmental department of the federation going forward.
Major areas that will be strengthened and/or established under the Player Development umbrella include Grassroots and Youth Development, Women’s, Beach and Futsal among others. In terms of the coaching development, coaching education and mentorship programmes come under this section.
Speaking at a press conference held at the federation’s headquarters, Bolton said the manifesto “will be the checks and balances” of the federation, declaring that Youth, Grassroots, Women and Coaching Development will be at the forefront of the country’s developmental aim as advised by FIFA.
Grassroots, Youth Development and National Youth Academies
According to Bolton, the Grassroot initiative, which will be run and funded by the federation, needs to properly structured in every association.
He noted that while Grassroot Festivals, which cater to age groups 6-12 are held with much success, they are generally only one-day events.
Because of this, Bolton said a long-term option was required and as such, an 8-10 week programme will be commissioned. He added that this restructured programme will be held twice yearly and will be under the guidance of a GFF Youth Developmental Officer (YDO).
“Many persons have opinions on how things should be done in Guyana but we will take it from players’ standpoint and make decisions that will be beneficial for the players,” added Bolton.
“With regards to Youth Development, the document said that we have responsibility to create a quality programme from a footballing legacy perspective,” said Bolton adding that the Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) is a guide for formulating optimal player performances at all stages of their evolution.
According to the Bolton, national youth academies for both males and females will also be commissioned in this programme, noting that the federation will commence the venture this year with the boy’s u-15 age group.
He further said that the federation will also be working on the u-12 sections of the academy, which are the most important age-group due to their long term future within the national circuit.
According to the manifesto, youth academies are an essential component of development through a structured curriculum delivered within the entirety of the country on a consistent basis. It noted over time, the players selected from the academies to be assessed for national honours, will be familiar with philosophies and concepts that will utilized at the national setup.
Women’s Football On the female side, Bolton said that country has the potential to develop the sport, noting that females must be given the same opportunities as boys to reach their potential. He noted this is the main emphasis of the programme.
According to the document, emphasis will be placed on the younger age groups through the respective youth academies and that a two pronged approach will be taken to revitalize and invigorate the women’s game.
The document further noted that by gathering, recruiting and education all those involved in the women’s game, a foundation will be created for the staging of a competition that will be focused on the targeted objectives.
Districts
Bolton further highlighted the creation of GFF districts locally amongst the respective associations. This initiative he said will be used to deliver, identify and monitor player and coaching development on a broader scope as well as to properly increase the national selection pool through effective scouting protocols.
He noted that the North West Zone which is District-1 will feature Essequibo, Bartica, West Demerara and Georgetown Associations while District-2 which will be the North East section will consist of Upper Demerara, East Bank, East Demerara and Berbice Associations.
District-3 which is the Southern Zone, will be the Rupununi Association. According to manifesto, both districts in the North will host a set number of Academy Training Centers (ATC) determined by the associations, general populace and need within the district.
On the other hand, the South District will commence with only one ATC and will add to that number as their footballing structures and programs develop.
Coaching Education
According to Bolton, coaching development directly impacts player development and that the lack of properly trained tacticians at all levels is major hindrance to the development of the discipline and its practitioners.
He noted that while many individuals understand the game in depth, the country has lacked the guidance and tolls to impart the knowledge in developing players. According to the technical plan, the GFF will create a national coaching license structure that can support and sustain a minimum coaching level.
The document further said the program will be structured with guidance from other CONCACAF nations to create parity with minimum international standards and it will .also strive to achieve accreditation outside of the country.
The levels that will be a part of the program are the D, C, B and A-Licenses as well as a Schools Certificate. They will also be an Elite League Module for seasoned tacticians coaching at the highest level locally to sit and discuss training methods and practices.
