A Five days Women’s Football Coaching Course has kicked off at the GFF National Technical Training Center (NTTC) for Female Domestic League One and Two Coaches staged by the Gambia Football Federation Technical Department. The Five days training is aimed at strengthening the capacities of Coaches in the Female League ahead of the League commencement.
The training program gathers 32 participants (Coaches) from the respective clubs aimed amongst others to adequately prepare the Coaches on Covid-19 guidelines and regulations so as to maintain the safe and health status of the players.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, GFF Technical Director Sang Ndong described the training as fundamental noting that Capacity building is one of the Federation’s core areas to build the competence level of the duty bearers. He noted that despite the Covid-19 pandemic, the GFF would continue within its utmost to live by its primary responsibility. “We accept that the pandemic is here and we had to cope with it by adhering to the guidelines so that football is also active. So it’s important that we train these coaches who can disseminate the messages to their respective teams”. TD called on the coaches to practice the basic WHO and health guidelines on Covid-19 ahead of the resumption of football in the Gambia.
GFF Women’s Football Coordinator Sainey Sissoho M’boge, highlighted the significance of the course, noting that women football development cannot be attained without capacity building. “It’s a significant activity for Women Football and there are other programs on the pipeline to be implemented on Women’s football development“. She expressed delight in the progression of women’s football since 1994 with a good record of achievement thanks to the Lamin Kaba Bajo led Executive.
Other speakers on the opening ceremony include Women’s Football Association Secretary General Ebrima Ceesay who thanked the GFF for the support rendered to the Association and funding the training course. Ceesay however challenged the participants to live up to expectation and rub shoulders with their male counterparts. “We want to see women football D-C and A license holders and that cannot be achieved without collective responsibility and support”. Pa Suwareh Faye, President of the Gambia Coaches Association whilst expressing gratitude to the Federation and Women Football Association, encouraged participants to register into the Coaches Association so as to benefit from the membership privileges such as trainings and protection. He urged the participants to be united and work collectively for a great union and promote Women’s football.
Declaring the five days training course open, Mr Martin Gomez Principal of Bottrop Senior Secondary School and former GFF ExCo Member recognized the efforts of the Association and the technical department and assured the participants of the GFF’s continues support in the promotion and development of women’s Football. “We are glad with the successes attained since 1994, and we may be in a hurry but we are on track. Women’s football is on tract and very soon we will reach our goal in both continental and global exhibitions“. He thanked the Women football Association, the standing Committee and the technical Director for taking such an initiative and encouraged participants to be attentive and exchange divergent experiences to help each other. “Passion and determination can take you anywhere. Be patient, work hard and focus don’t ever give up despite any challenges you face in your responsibilities“.
Women’s football sector in the Gambia has currently 2 B License holders, 2 C License holders, as well as 4 FIFA/CAF Referees, 4 CAF Match Commissioners and 1 FIFA Leadership member. 19 Coaches also benefited from the GFF D License course in 2014
