GFF/Petra Organisation grassroots clinic underway

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) in collaboration with the Petra Organization is currently staging a Grassroots Re-ferees Clinic at the Minis-try of Education ground on Carifesta Avenue.

GFF Head of Referees Stanley Lancaster (centre) posing with students from the various schools in the fourth annual Milo U20 Football Championship during the GFF/Petra Organization Grassroots Referees Clinic at the Ministry of Education ground on Carifesta Avenue.
GFF Head of Referees Stanley Lancaster (centre) posing with students from the various schools in the fourth annual Milo U20 Football Championship during the GFF/Petra Organization Grassroots Referees Clinic at the Ministry of Education ground on Carifesta Avenue.

The event which caters for individuals currently participating in the fourth annual Milo U20 football tournament, is being facilitated by GFF Head of Referees Stanley Lancaster.

Lancaster, during an invited comment, said that the objective of the programme, which currently has 35 students, is to create more qualified referees at every level.

According to Lancaster, each school was allowed to have two students participate in the initiative. He noted that while the turnout was less than expected given that 32 schools are in the tournament, he is encouraged by the response of the participants.

He said that basic rules governing the discipline will be taught at the clinic as well as field work including the movement and positioning of the referee and declared that initiatives such as this is in keeping with the mandate of the GFF.

Lancaster also revealed that additional technical work will take place Tuesdays and Thursdays for the respective participants as they aim to create more qualified referees. He disclosed that a Beginners Course will commence in March which the current batch will be integrated into.