Caption: Minister of State Joseph Harmon (second from left) during his meeting with the GFF at the MOP.
The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) today met with Minister of State Joseph Harmon, in the Federation’s move to garner the Government of Guyana’s support for its Stag Elite League, which is set to kick off on Friday September 18 at the Leonora Track and Field and Football Facility.
Chairman of the GFF Normalisation Committee Clinton Urling, Vice Chairman Dr. Karen Pilgrim, Technical Director Claude Bolton and Assistant General Secretary Deidre Davis represented the GFF at the meeting which was held at the Ministry of the Presidency (MOP).
Eight of the country’s top clubs (Slingerz FC, Fruta Conquerors, Pele, Alpha United, Buxton United, Monedderlust, Georgetown Football Cub and Guyana Defence Force) will compete in what is considered as the most lucrative league ever held in Guyana.
“It’s an eight month league for our highest level of football in the country” Urling added that it would require enormous resources to pull off the league in a professional manner, noting that even though the GFF and FIFA are “putting a lot” into ensuring that the league starts, government’s support is also needed to make the league a reality.
Today’s meeting, according to Urling, was to “discuss the mechanics of the league and to solicit government’s support financially”
Meanwhile, the Minister of State pledged government’s support for not just the league, but the sport in Guyana.
Harmon, an ardent follower and lover of the sport of football, indicated that he would like to see “a clear tangible programme that says we are going to pay attention to these young men and women who play football”.
The Minister said that government’s contribution must mean something to players and they all must benefit.
The NC Chairman applauded the government’s endorsement of the league and is now looking forward towards the government playing a major role in the development of football throughout Guyana.
Up next for the GFF, is a meeting with the Minister of Education Dr. Rupert Roopnarine, to discuss government’s financial support for the Stag Elite League.