The Guyana Football Federation (GFF), in partnership with Concacaf, has successfully concluded its two-day Match Commissioners Workshop, certifying 40 participants from across the country to serve in this pivotal role. The workshop was held on April 5th and 6th at the National Training Centre (NTC), Providence, and marks another significant step in the Federation’s ongoing efforts to strengthen football administration and competition management at all levels.
Participants from Bartica, Upper Demerara, East Coast Demerara, Berbice, and several other districts were among those trained, reflecting the GFF’s commitment to developing football capacity in all regions. The newly certified Match Commissioners are now equipped with the knowledge and tools required to oversee matches with greater professionalism and efficiency, ensuring adherence to regulations and promoting the values of integrity, fairness, and respect across the game.
Importantly, the workshop also emphasised the inclusion of women in football leadership and operations, with several female participants among those certified. This move aligns with the GFF’s strategic vision of creating more opportunities for women both on and off the field. The presence of women in match oversight roles not only strengthens the administration of the sport but also signals a shift toward more inclusive and representative football management in Guyana. Their participation lays the groundwork for future generations of women in football to aspire to influential positions in the game.
Many participants expressed gratitude to the Federation for its investment in human capacity, stating that the workshop not only deepened their understanding of competition protocols but also inspired them to aim higher. “We’re grateful for the opportunity,” Alden Marslowe, President of the Bartica Football Association shared.
Olston Thurman of the Upper Demerara Football Association also expressed deep appreciation, noting, “We now feel more confident and prepared to contribute meaningfully to local football. One day, I hope to serve as a Match Commissioner at a Concacaf tournament—or even the World Cup—but for now, I look forward to gaining more experience on the local and regional level.”
The GFF views the successful completion of this workshop as a foundational move in professionalizing match operations in Guyana. With a stronger pool of trained officials now in place, the standard and quality of matches are expected to improve significantly across the country’s football calendar
