Dear Editor,

My emotions rose to unprecedented levels when I learnt that an indigenous community could have defied all the odds and achieved a first in the history of football in Essequibo. In other words, Mainstay Gold Star FC senior team has catapulted itself to the Elie League of national football in the country; a feat that is quite historic and remarkable. Reminiscing about active football in Essequibo just ten years ago, this club was in the embryo stage and struggled to compete against more celebrated clubs such as Henrietta United, Scramblers, Queenstown, Dartmouth and Good Hope FC. In addition, they didn’t have adequate resources including a trained coach or even a proper ground to train and play. They were not even knowledgeable about the rules or game tactics and basically relied on natural ability and athleticism in order to survive in the sport. As time elapsed, they were assisted by coaches who went into the village, while the community ground was developed. The players are literal unknowns, but it is their will, determination and self-sacrifice (many of them would spend months in the interior as a means of living) that has been their symbol of success.

While the journey has just begun, it is my considered hope that the team will receive the necessary support in terms of logistics, sponsorship, equipment and access to professional coaching for what will be a stern and formidable battle against higher ranked teams in the league. I would presume that most of their games will be played in Georgetown and they will need transportation and even accommodation which is very costly. Such timely intervention will be required so that the players’ focus would primarily centre on achieving their goals and evitable becoming stars (Goldstar) as the team name refers.

This is a huge moment for Essequibo’s football to once again rise to credible levels and this time it is being spearheaded by a team of talented, adventurous, tough and motivationally driven individuals who hail from a village that is remotely located; approximately seven miles from the mainland. Mainstay Goldstar FC’s performance has become an inspiration to the football loving fraternity of Region 2; it is a story of them being once the whipping boys to now whipping the men wherever they may be. I wish to congratulate the entire team and community as well as those who have contributed to their success including the Essequibo Football Association. The team has certainly become the pride and joy of Essequibo’s football and has all the attributes of greatness.

Yours faithfully,

Elroy Stephney