FIFA President encouraged
The investment by the National Milling Company of Guyana (NAMILCO) to invest at a critical stage of Guyana’s football growth through a long term plan with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has gained the attention of CONCACAF and FIFA, respectively. The Youth Development Plan was inked last year between NAMILCO and the federation that has seen the birth of the GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power National Under-17 Intra Association League being contested in nine (9) associations.
President of the GFF Wayne Forde highlighted NAMILCO’s investment during his presentation at the XXXII CONCACAF Ordinary Congress which took place in Aruba. Commenting on his company’s venture being recognized at the highest level in the confederation, NAMILCO’s Finance Controller Mr. Fitzroy McLeod said that the company was more than happy to be informed of such acknowledgment. ”This is indeed great news for us at NAMILCO but more importantly, for Guyana. This venture for us will see the strengthening of the game at a very important level, U-17. Being played in nine associations simultaneously underscores the fact that we are very serious about seeing the sport really take off here.”
McLeod noted that while they have shown their commitment financially, they are hoping to see the associations really taking on the responsibility of making this work for the youths and the nation.”We have done our part and its now down to the association and the national body to ensure that this works out. At NAMILCO we are very confident that once managed in the right way with the requisite supervision to ensure that things go smoothly, this intra association competition will really take off to the benefit of Guyana development at the regional and international levels by bringing to the fore our talented players.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, during his brief visit to Guyana last week was also briefed about the tournament and he noted that he is encouraged to see a corporate entity showing such a high degree of confidence in the growth of the youths by inking a five-year deal.
McLeod expressed delight that the league was able to catch the attention of the FIFA boss and again reiterated that NAMILCO will continue to take on its role in seeing the youths develop.”We have exhibited our commitment not only in football but other sports since we believe that it is important to give back to the society, especially by empowering our young people. Our Managing Director Mr. Bert Sukhai is very serious about this and this we will continue to do.”
The second half of the GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power National Under-17 Intra Association League is expected to kick off shortly.
Source: K/NEWS