In its quest to promote grassroots football development by enhancing the capacities of technicians, The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) through its Technical Department has recently given the nod for a week-long intensive coaching course in the West Coast Region.
The national D’ License Coaching Course, organised by the Foni Sports Committee in collaboration with West Coast Region Football Association (WCRFA) and West Coast Regional Coaches Association (WCRCA), and funded by the Foni Ding-Ding Federation (FDF) is currently underway at the FDF Lodge in Bwiam.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Samba Keita, program officer of FDF, who doubles as the Chairman of the Foni Sports Committee, said the Foni Ding-Ding Federation is a non-profit making organisation that has a strong bearing in the welfare and the development of young people and sports is not an exception. “It is a result of this that we reached out to Foni Ding-Ding Federation and got the funds to implement one of the most crucial activities in our plans, to train our coaches. FDF have seen us as a reliable partner as they continue to support even in the Super Nawetan,” he affirmed.
“So, we want to thank the GFF for their oversight function that they are doing to enhance the development of football, particularly at grassroots level. This will go a long way in boosting the morals of the people of Foni and the standards of football in general.”
He added that the Course will be used by his Committee as a benchmark for future competitions. “Come the next district championship that will be hosted by Foni Sports, no coach would be allowed to be on the touchline without a D” License. This is only possible through the WCRFA, WCRCA, and FDF and by extension The Gambia Football Federation,” he emphasised.
Pa Suwareh Fye, President of The Gambia Football Coaches Association described the training as important and encouraged participants to make best use of the opportunity.
Declaring the event opened, Sang John Ndong, Technical Director of the GFF, highlighted the efforts of the Federation in its quest to promote grassroots and football decentralisation. He noted that capacity building is a fundamental component of his Department and the GFF will not relent in its efforts to support the regional associations. While thanking the Regional Associations and the local instructors, he assured of the GFF’s readiness to support their activities.
The training brought together 40 participants from district and Nawetan teams across Foni including Four Third Division Team Coaches (Two of which are Third Division Clubs).
The local instructors include Course Director Pa Suwareh Fye, Lead Instructor Amat Cham, Assistant Lead Instructor Amadou Demba and Course Coordinator Essa Sambou.
