By Abdou Mbye
The Gambia Schools Football Association, under the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE), in collaboration with The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) and FIFA, on Wednesday, March 13th launched the FIFA Football for Schools (F4S) project. A three-day capacity building programme for school coaches at the National Technical Training Centre (NTTC) in Old Yundum ensued. The Football for Schools programme, run by FIFA in collaboration with UNESCO, aims to contribute to the education, development, and empowerment of approximately 700 million children. It seeks to make football more accessible to boys and girls worldwide by incorporating football activities into the education system in partnership with relevant authorities and stakeholders.
In her remarks at the launch, the Director of FIFA Football for Schools (F4S), Fatimata Sow Sidibe, expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and congratulated The Gambia under-15 girls’ team on becoming the champions of the WAFU Zone A African Schools Competition and qualifying for the continental championship. She informed that the F4S programme was launched in 2019 as part of FIFA President’s vision to make football truly global. She emphasised the importance of teaching children not only about the technical skills of football but also the values of life skills that will make them better global citizens.
“F4S brings the positive values of football into the education and development process of our children. It maintains a positive and enthusiastic attitude, challenges children in a fun and enjoyable way, and empowers them to make their own decisions and take responsibility in a responsive and supportive environment,” she reiterated.
The President of the Gambia Football Federation (GFF), Mr. Lamin Kaba Bajo, described the event as historic, expressed gratitude to the FIFA President, and attributed unprecedented development and transformation of football globally to his leadership. He pointed out the need for diversity in football and its administration.
Mr Bajo made reference to the MOU they have had with MoBSE and the close partnership with the schools football association. “This collaboration has been existing for years and I hope that it goes from strength to strength. The first TOR for regional coaches appointed by GFF was to work with schools at regional level and to participate actively in running the nationwide schools football competition. School football has paid dividend since its inception. It is helping the technical director and the respective coaches scouting players and putting them together for the future national teams. It is gratifying that our talented professional player, Yankuba Minteh, one of finest young players, was spotted from the football tournament held some years ago,” the GFF President further remarked.
Representing the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Musa Mendy described the event as an important milestone, and urged participants to make the best use of the opportunities provided. He affirmed that the cordial relationship between MoBSE and the GFF, noting that they are diligently fulfilling the terms of the signed MOU.
The event was attended by esteemed dignitaries including Dr. Ebrima Sisawo, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education; Mr. Malang Kongira of the National Sports Council (NSC); Kebba Touray of the Gambia Football Coaches Association (GFCA); Sang Ndong, GFF Technical Director; and Ismaila Ceesay, President of the Schools Football Association.
