September 19, 2026, Georgetown - Guyana has joined the countries participating in the Concacaf Bigger Game Academy Program, successfully completing a two-day coaching workshop and football clinic held on September 17 and 18, facilitated by Concacaf and Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Coach Educators.
The initiative brought together 20 coaches representing five Regional Associations, who participated in training led by Concacaf Coaching Educators Joe Supe, Tashana Vincent and Roberto Lopez, with the support of GFF Technical Director Bryan Joseph and Coach Educator Lyndon France.
Hosted at the Guyana Olympic Association, the first day of training focused on the role of the coach, the characteristics of an effective coach, the key functions of coach educators and safeguarding. Participants engaged in interactive discussions and practical sessions designed to reinforce the concepts introduced during the workshop.
The program continued on September 18 with a football clinic at the National Training Centre, where more than 100 children from various schools participated in a day of football activities, teamwork and learning. Guided by GFF and Concacaf facilitators, the children took part in interactive drills and group sessions aimed at developing their football skills while promoting positive values.
Reflecting on the program, GFF President Wayne Forde highlighted the importance of investing in coaches and expanding access to football development opportunities.
“We are grateful to Concacaf for bringing the Bigger Game Academy Pilot Programme to Guyana. Our coaches are key to the growth and development of the game, and programs such as this provide them with the knowledge, tools and practical experience needed to make a meaningful impact in their communities. We remain committed to strengthening grassroots football and ensuring that more children have access to quality football experiences in a safe, inclusive and supportive environment.”
The completion of the workshop marks the beginning of the program’s next phase, which will see coaches from the five participating Regional Associations; East Demerara, Georgetown, East Bank, West Demerara and Upper Demerara deliver structured football clinics in identified communities.
Following the training, coaches will select communities with the support of volunteers to implement a 10-week football development curriculum for children between the ages of 6 and 12. The initiative will combine football activities with lessons in teamwork, respect, resilience, child protection, equality and social inclusion, culminating in a Festival scheduled for the end of 2026.
Concacaf’s Bigger Game Academy is a flagship grassroots football for development program designed to equip teachers, coaches and community leaders with the skills to deliver football clinics that integrate sporting development with essential life skills and positive social values.
Over the past year, the Academy has reportedly trained more than 430 coaches and reached over 2,100 children across 17 participating Concacaf Member Associations.
Through its participation, the GFF continues to strengthen its coach education and grassroots development initiatives, supporting the delivery of inclusive football opportunities for children and communities in every corner of Guyana.
