Following the end of the KFC U20 tournament, the Guyana Football Federation [GFF] has commenced several Talent Identification Sessions in the respective member associations ahead of their preparation for the CONCACAF Men’s U20 Qualifiers in February 2020.
According to an official release the federation, the first session commenced on Sunday at the National Training Centre, Providence and featured the East Bank Demerara players. Wayne Dover, Head of the National U20 side and lead invigilator in the initiative said, “The sessions are geared towards scouting of players for selection to the national Under-20 team, for the purpose of preparation for the Concacaf Men’s Under 20 World Cup Qualifiers in February 2020. This initiative by the Technical Department was undertaken to maximize on the talent available throughout Guyana.”
He added:“This will definitely give the staff of the team and, by extension, the Technical Department the opportunity to make good selections since a large pool of players will be exposed to showcase their talent. I am very excited to be involved in such a project, especially since it is geared towards development.”
The technical team for the program will include coaches O’Neal Heywood, Eon De Viera and Wilson Toledo. The quartet will shortlist 40 players from the respective associations at the end of the sessions for training in September.
Meanwhile, GFF’s President Wayne Forde stated that the exercise will provide a fair opportunity to all players for selection, adding… “The other critical advantage is the six months of team preparation we will embark on once the team is selected. The GFF is continually reexamining its development strategy with the aim of finding practical solutions, which will bring about improved performances of our national teams. There is no quick fix to lifting the standard of play across a country but our laser focus on youth development is finally showing dividends.”
According to the correspondence, among the selection criteria for include, “[1]. Players MUST be registered with a club that is affiliated to the RMA they are from, and the RMA MUST be in good standing with the GFF and [2]. Players who are selected to the final pool MUST walk with a valid passport and police clearance.”
In terms of characteristics, players, must have good technical ability, be able to make good decisions during games, be able to adapt to tactical training, have a good aerobic fitness base and be disciplined. Following the end of the East Coast Demerara session yesterday, the Georgetown Football Association, GFF Elite Clubs and Upper Demerara Football Association will be hosted today, tomorrow and Friday respectively.
Similarly, sessions for Bartica, Berbice, Essequibo/Pomeroon and Rupununi Football Associations will be staged on Sunday September 1st, September 2nd-3rd, September 4th-5th and September 6th respectively.
