The Guyana Football Federation (GFF), in partnership with Concacaf, successfully hosted a Club Licensing Workshop on Saturday, March 1, 2025, as part of its ongoing efforts to professionalize football in Guyana.
GFF and Concacaf successfully hosted a Club Licensing Workshop last Saturday ahead of the Elite League Season.
The workshop provided representatives from the 10 Elite League clubs with essential knowledge on governance, administration, youth development, and corporate social responsibility (CSR)—key requirements for obtaining a Concacaf Club License ahead of the highly anticipated Season VII kickoff on March 9, 2025, at the National Training Centre (NTC).
Only clubs that successfully obtain a Concacaf Club License will be eligible to participate in regional and international competitions. The GFF has reinforced its zero-tolerance policy regarding clubs failing to comply with club licensing requirements, underscoring its commitment to raising standards across domestic football.
The Concacaf Professional Football Division (CPFD) led the interactive workshop, allowing club representatives to engage directly with licensing experts. Participants were also introduced to Concacaf’s COMET online platform, a digital tool designed to streamline club operations, competition management, and player registration.
GFF President, Wayne Forde who was present at the workshop emphasized the importance of the licensing initiative, stating: “Our ultimate goal is to establish a professional football league in the very near future, but this has to start with the clubs professionalizing their operations. The Concacaf Club Licensing Programme is the first step in that direction.”
He added, “While some clubs in the league have access to greater resources than others, the programme creates a level playing field, ensuring that every club meets the same criteria to be eligible for regional and international competitions.”
Throughout 2024, the GFF conducted one-on-one meetings with Elite League clubs to reinforce the importance of meeting the minimum club licensing criteria, which include:
- Establishing boys’ and girls’ youth teams
- Developing a women’s football program
- Implementing a CSR initiative
- Establishing an active social media presence
- Conducting an annual financial audit
A comprehensive list of licensing requirements was shared with all clubs, and they were encouraged to take the necessary steps to comply.
With Season VII set to commence on March 9, 2025, the GFF remains steadfast in its mission to elevate the standards of club football in Guyana. The Club Licensing Programme is a critical component of this vision, ensuring that all participating clubs are equipped to compete at higher levels while fostering sustainable football development across the nation.
