The Guyana Football Federation (GFF), in partnership with Concacaf, will launch the Concacaf Bigger Game Academy on Saturday, October 10, opening a new structured pathway for boys and girls between six and 12 to develop their football skills.
The pilot programme will begin simultaneously through four Regional Member Associations—the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA), East Demerara Football Association (EDFA), East Bank Football Association (EBFA) and Georgetown Football Association (GFA).
The initiative is aimed at introducing children to the fundamentals of football while creating an environment that encourages participation, enjoyment, teamwork, discipline and personal development.
The launch-day sessions will be held at the following locations:
- UDFA: Silvertown Community Ground — 9:00 a.m.
- EDFA: Buxton Community Centre — 9:00 a.m.
- EBFA: National Training Centre, Providence — 8:00 a.m.
- GFA: C-Field Community Centre, Sophia — 3:00 p.m.
Following the launch, training will continue for 10 consecutive weeks at each venue. The programme will conclude with a grand festival bringing together participants from the four pilot associations to celebrate their progress and participation.
The GFF said the Bigger Game Academy is part of its broader effort to strengthen grassroots football and give more children access to organised, age-appropriate football from an early age.
The programme also forms part of efforts to strengthen Guyana’s player-development pathway by creating more opportunities for young players to gain quality football experiences within their own communities.
Rather than focusing solely on competition, the academy will emphasise fundamental skills and positive participation, allowing children to develop their abilities while learning the value of teamwork and discipline.
The four Regional Member Associations will work with the GFF and Concacaf to deliver the programme at community level, creating a wider base from which young players can continue their development.
The initiative is expected to provide parents and communities with a more structured entry point into organised football while encouraging greater participation among both boys and girls.
Parents and guardians are being encouraged to attend Saturday’s launch activities and support the programme in their respective communities.
The October 10 launch will mark the start of the 10-week pilot, as the GFF and Concacaf seek to bring more children into the sport and strengthen the foundation for the future development of Guyana football.
