By: Yankuba Manneh
New Yundum Sports Association (NYSA) rolled out a two-day introductory coach training for 15 football amateur coaches. The training wrapped up on Sunday 17th October, 2021 comprised both theory and practical components.
The training which drew participants across New Yundum is aimed at strengthening the capacity of grassroots coaches and equip them with the requisite skills and knowledge pertinent for the attainment of their career goals in coaching.
Speaking to the press at the end of the training, Bubacarr Ceesay, the President of New Yundum Sports Association said the training was necessitated by his Association’s desire to build and enhance the capacity of all coaches in New Yundum and adequately prepare them for a smooth career progression. He also underscored that the skills and the knowledge learned will greatly change the outlook of soccer in New Yundum, as coaches play a cardinal role in any sports development.
“We want to introduce D-License certificate as a requirement for coaching in New Yundum “nawettan” tournament. We have very limited coaches with requisite training in D-License. So we thought it necessary to conduct this foundation training for coaches to prepare them for future D-License training,” he explained.
Mr. Ceesay expressed hope that the capacity of these emerging coaches will improve and the knowledge acquired is expected to reflect in the general conduct and comportment of both coaches and players that are in accordance with game rules and regulations. He called on all coaches of Yundum, especially those who were unable to attend this one, to be prepared and willing to participate in future trainings.
One of the trainers Yaya Manneh who doubles as the Secretary to West Coast Region Football Coaching Association and lead instructor expressed optimism that the skills and knowledge shared are indispensable and if well utilized it will facelift the New Yundum sports development and West Coast in general.
“The training is a positive one and it will set the participants on the coaching certification pathway,” Mr. Manneh stated with optimism.
He assured that the foundation training for the participants was detailed and relished with all the essential techniques for their career development. He opined that the onus now lie on them to build on the skills and knowledge garnered.
Giving a vote of thanks on behalf of the participants, Mamadi Jammeh and Coach of Manneh Kunda United F.C was delightful to benefit from this foundation coach training as it will improve and positively impact his knowledge in the realm of coaching. He also implored on his fellow participants to judiciously utilize the skills and knowledge gained for the advancement of New Yundum Sports Development as well as the West Coast Region. The training was punctuated with a presentation of certificates of participation.