Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – In a significant step towards enhancing the development of football in The Gambia, the Gambia Football Coaches Association (GFCA) in collaboration with the Gambia Football Federation (GFF) launched a week-long national coaching convention on Monday. The inaugural event, held at the National Technical Training Center in Old Yundum, saw the participation of 42 coaches from various regions.

GFF President Mr. Lamin Kaba Bajo presided over the opening ceremony, expressing his enthusiasm for this landmark initiative. “I salute and commend the courage of the GFCA for venturing into this important national event. The Federation welcomes it and henceforth will embed it in the GFF activities annually to grow from strength to strength,” he stated.

Mr. Bajo highlighted the achievements of Gambian coaches on both national and international stages, attributing their successes to strategic initiatives like CARMS. He assured the coaches of GFF’s unwavering support and collaboration, emphasizing their vital role in the development of football. Additionally, he mentioned ongoing efforts to provide A and B Licenses to coaches in partnership with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), addressing a continental challenge.

GFCA President Kebba ‘Jesper’ Touray expressed his joy at the event’s successful launch and extended gratitude to the GFF for their steadfast support and collaboration in the development of coaches.

GFF Technical Director Sang John Ndong echoed similar sentiments, recognizing the coaches’ efforts and successes, which he attributed to competitive and capacity-building programs under the CARMS initiative. “The CARMS strategic initiative is an important pillar in the development of football. The convention comes to make it better. It is an opportunity for the exchange of ideas and networking, and I hope that the expectations will be achieved by the end of the convention,” he remarked.

The opening ceremony was followed by a presentation on Football Administration, facilitated by GFF First Vice President Mr. Bakary K. Jammeh. Throughout the week, the convention will feature various seminars, including sessions on Technical Report Writing, Grassroots Football, Education and Sports, Women’s Football, a review of the first and second division leagues, FIFA Forward, and the Laws of the Game.

This event marks a significant milestone for The Gambia’s football coaching community, promising a future of growth, collaboration, and enhanced football development in the country.