Guyana Sports Development Foundation, Inc

Dianne Ferriera-James appointed Ambassador of Guyana's Lady Jags

In a release from the Guyana Women's Football Committee (GWFC) it was announced that FIFA Referee Mrs. Dianne Ferriera-James has been appointed as an Ambassador of the Guyana Women's Football Team "Lady Jags".

Program Director of the GWFC Colin Baker said "We are very happy to have Dianne accept this position to be the ambassador for Guyana Women's Football program. It is felt that Dianne, a pioneer of Guyana Women's football as a player and more popularly as one of the top FIFA referees in the World, is an ideal person for this position. It is very much appreciated that she agreed to do this even with her current busy schedule to Football and Family".

In accepting the invitation, Mrs. Ferriera-James said: "I am honored to be considered for such a portfolio.  I will whenever and wherever possible assist my country for the enhancement and development of Football.  As a former player and now involved as a referee at the highest level, it is very emotional for me to finally see what I dream't of is now a reality for Guyana Women's Football".

Dianne, a Guyanese, was born in Bartica and started her serious involvement in sports at the age of 12, doing track. She subsequently ventured into other sports such as Volleyball, Field Hockey, Football, Cricket and Karate. Dianne also represented Guyana in cricket as the captain at the West Indies Women's Cricket tournament.

During her early years, Dianne was made captain of the Guyana North West District football team where she played as a defender, but after four years decided that Refereeing was where her passion was.

Dianne,s international Refereeing career began in 2002 and has been a very successful one being the with highlights listed below:-

2002

(becoming the first Caribbean referee male or female to reach that milestone)

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Dianne's immediate focus is the FIFA U-20 Women's World Championship in Germany 2010 and FIFA Algarve Cup 2010 in Portugal. All this is a build up to FIFA Women's World Cup Germany 2011.

Dianne has officiated to date a total of 132 International matches with 87 as the center referee. She is looking forward to pursuing a career as a Referee Instructor once she ends her refereeing career.

The Lady Jags is one step away from qualifying for the CONCACAF Gold Cup. The Lady Jags will play Cuba in a home and away encounter to determine the next qualifier. The winner will join the USA, Mexico, Canada, Guatemala, Trinidad & Tobago and Haiti.