Guyana’s football community has taken a major step forward in protecting its next generation of talent following a specialised child safeguarding summit.
A cohort of 23 sporting professionals—including coaches, referees, and key officials from Regions Three, Four and Five—have successfully completed an intensive two-day training block focused on the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA).
The workshop, hosted at the Cara Lodge Hotel, was delivered through a joint partnership among the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), UNICEF and the Rights of the Child Commission (RCC).
With youth development taking centre stage across Guyanese football, the initiative aims to build an ironclad defence against violence, exploitation, and maltreatment in grassroots spaces.
Speaking at the launch, GFF President Wayne Forde laid out the federation’s absolute stance on youth safety:
“We are deeply committed to making football a safe space for children by fostering an environment in which their fundamental rights are respected, protected, and upheld by everyone involved in their development. This is a sacred duty of the GFF and a shared responsibility across the entire football community.”
The training comes at a critical time. While global football provides immense benefits for discipline and teamwork, it has also faced stark warnings over power dynamics and historical vulnerabilities regarding abuse.
The classroom sessions targeted professional conduct, behavioural expectations, and international compliance standards, aligning local setups directly with UNICEF’s strict Child Safeguarding Code of Conduct.
A poignant reminder of the stakes involved came from RCC Chairperson Aleema Nasir, who warned that a lack of safety directly stifles talent on the pitch:
“A child cannot realise their true potential if they do not feel safe. A child cannot score goals while carrying the heavy, silent burden of fear.”
UNICEF Representative for Guyana and Suriname, Anna Valente, emphasised that safeguarding isn’t just about policing adults—it is about giving the youngsters a voice.
“Children themselves must be empowered with knowledge of their rights,” Valente noted, calling for “safe, accessible, and confidential mechanisms through which they can report concerns.”
The GFF, UNICEF, and the RCC have confirmed this workshop is not a one-off fixture as all three organisations have pledged a long-term tactical alliance to continuously audit, strengthen, and roll out these vital child protection systems across all administrative regions in Guyana. (Modified GFF Press Release)
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