Fifty-one girls participating in the Girls in Football Programme have completed a financial literacy and entrepreneurial thinking workshop series designed to strengthen their money management knowledge, business skills, confidence and leadership abilities.
The initiative was delivered by SBM Offshore Guyana in collaboration with the Vurlon Mills Football Academy (VMFA). The final workshop was held on September 26, following an initial session in July.
Through practical exercises, the participants explored business ideas, worked in teams and delivered pitches, applying what they had learned while developing their public speaking, communication and problem-solving skills.
The programme also sought to help the girls recognise how the discipline, teamwork and perseverance developed through football could be applied to entrepreneurship and other areas of their lives.
For 12-year-old participant K’mya Horatio, the sessions provided lessons that extended beyond the football field.
“I learned life skills, and I learned how to think like an entrepreneur, how to put my business ideas into words, and what strategies I should follow to create a good business,” she said.
VMFA representative Alexcia Elias said the girls’ growing confidence was one of the most noticeable outcomes of the workshops.
“I think it was impactful because I noticed that many of the girls weren’t as confident at the beginning. Through the pitches and teamwork activities, I saw that confidence grow,” Elias said.
She noted that the activities encouraged participants to collaborate, develop different ideas and connect the discipline they practise on the field with real-life experiences.
At the close-out ceremony and certificate presentation, participants who completed both sessions were recognised for their commitment.
President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Kathy Smith, encouraged the girls to continue seeking opportunities to learn and develop their skills, while helping other women access similar opportunities.
“When you get into the room, do not come out. Continue seeking opportunities to learn, build your confidence and develop new skills. And when you get into the room, make sure you take another woman with you,” Smith said.
Her message highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for women and girls to develop their capabilities and supporting others as they pursue their ambitions.
Country General Manager of SBM Offshore Guyana, Martin Cheong, urged the participants to see themselves as future contributors to Guyana’s development rather than simply beneficiaries of its changing economy.
“Guyana is changing rapidly, and we need young women who are prepared not simply to participate in the future, but to help shape it. The future needs your ideas, your confidence and your leadership,” Cheong said.
The workshops form part of the Girls in Football Programme, which is executed by VMFA with support from SBM Offshore Guyana. The programme combines football training with life-skills development, including leadership, decision-making, communication, problem-solving and healthy lifestyle choices.
By incorporating financial literacy and entrepreneurship into the programme, the organisers sought to equip participants with practical skills they can apply in their personal lives and future careers.
The completion of the two-part workshop series marks another component of the programme’s broader approach to girls’ development, using sport as a platform to build confidence, encourage teamwork and introduce participants to opportunities beyond the playing field.
