The leadership of the Beacon Football Club (BFC) has been commended by President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Wayne Forde for its persistence in providing an avenue of hope, especially for youth players, as the club celebrates its 35th Anniversary as an entity.
GFF President Wayne Forde (left) and Ramdeo Kumar (right) with former and current players of Beacon FC following the presentation of gear – Photo Credit: Guyana Chronicle)
Forde, who on behalf of the GFF made a donation of football equipment to the club last Saturday at Burnham Court, commended former National captain Gordon ‘Ultimate Warrior’ Brathwaite for sticking with the club through the years since its formation.
Joining the officials and a few former senior players for BFC at the simple but significant activity was the proprietor of Beacon Café, Ramdeo Kumar, who has also committed to working towards seeing a transformation of the club.While noting that quite often in Guyana’s football leadership is not necessarily found in the Executive Committee, Forde said it is instead found to commit to the game’s goals.
“And the goals of football are service to mankind, development of the community, improvement of brotherly love and relationship and that leadership is embodied in Gordon Brathwaite. He has been a punctuation mark in the journey of this club. He has given unselfishly, and I want to commend him as a brother in football for what he has done,” the GFF President said.
The former national defender, captain, and coach has been the club’s central pillar since its birth and continues to play a pivotal role in its continued existence. Brathwaite was encouraged by President Forde never to give up and to continue working with the club and its youths.
Forde commended the players who would have contributed to the club over the years. They include current National coach Wayne ‘Wiggy’ Dover, Andre Trotz, Nigel Denny, and Julian ‘Beater’ Masdammer, as well as the new generation of players who will carry the flag for years to come.
Kumar, in commending the club on its anniversary, informed that he had been a silent supporter of the club for quite some time and his vision is to ensure that the youths in the Independence Park (Parade Ground) area play the game more consistently, noting that COVID-19 is the current challenge.
Kumar stated that he is a product of the Alexander Village/West Ruimveldt area and even spent some of his formative years in Albouystown; so he can identify with some of the challenges faced by youths of the ghetto.
President Forde committed the GFF and himself towards meeting with the BFC’s leadership and executive to help reshape and repurpose the club. He noted that apart from handing out equipment, much more can be done.
Meanwhile, Brathwaite expressed gratitude to the GFF, president, and Kumar for their support, noting that Beacon will once again be that guiding light for others to follow.
“I am proud today to know that we are thirty-five years old as a club, and I am looking forward to our 70th anniversary. I can assure you, Mr. President, and everybody around here that these players will make sure we are one of the best clubs. We give all the thanks to God for being here because God is the light of the club – the light of life – and without God, none of this would have been possible,” Brathwaite said.
[Extracted and Modified from Guyana Chronicle]
