Guyana to partner FIFA for developing football

The Guyana government wants to partner with FIFA, football's world governing body, to improve training facilities for players and coaches on the island.

Sports Minister Frank Anthony recently met FIFA's Development Officer Howard McIntosh and President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Christopher Matthias to find ways to improve training facilities, reports CMC.

The officials discussed, among other things, plans and strategies for the upcoming year and to have discussions on special projects that have been specifically designed and approved for Guyana.

"We are very pleased and optimistic about what we have heard, I think the collaboration going forward should be a very good one," said Anthony.

He added that the ministry would like to see the growth of football locally, and he was very pleased that FIFA is looking at more youth involvement in the sport.

"From a country's point of view there is need for children to be more active, and this is an opportunity to encourage children to become involved in sports, while aiding in solving public health problems."

Anthony said the ministry is contemplating a national programme that will see collaboration with FIFA and GFF and other partners. He said that within the next few months a grassroots programme will be rolled out.

The FIFA official said he decided to meet the minister to discuss areas of possible collaboration with the government and FIFA for projects, which will be promoting the sport in Guyana.

He said the meeting was very fruitful, and there was a desire to convert some of those discussions into concrete plans.

Discussions were also held on developing infrastructure and youth specific programmes for football in Guyana.