Marius Porte Wins “Azubi-Star 2024” with Film Highlighting BK West Football Academy’s Role in Youth Empowerment
September 9, 2024 – Marius Porte, a 21-year-old apprentice media designer for image and sound at ZDF Germany, has been named “Azubi-Star 2024” for his extraordinary work in using media to spotlight social issues. His award-winning documentary on The Gambia’s BK West Football Academy has drawn attention, showcasing how the power of football can transform the lives of young people. This project was pivotal to his victory, illustrating the academy’s profound impact on youth empowerment.
The documentary goes beyond football, shedding light on how BK West Football Academy provides a gateway for young Gambians to acquire skills, find purpose, and seize opportunities that transcend the pitch. Porte’s film explores how the academy serves as a vital resource for disadvantaged youth, using football as a medium to promote education, leadership, and personal growth.
“I was deeply moved by how football can offer young people a new perspective and direction in life,” Porte remarked during the awards ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Mainz. “BK West is more than just an academy – it’s a community where young people are nurtured to thrive.”
The “Azubi-Star” initiative seeks to honor apprentices who demonstrate exceptional initiative, both in their professions and through community engagement. Porte’s work, documenting the struggles and successes of BK West, stood out for its ability to tie together global challenges like youth empowerment and climate change with local solutions in The Gambia.
BK West Football Academy’s mission resonates with broader themes of youth development and community building, which are critical across many regions. By providing a safe and supportive environment, the academy helps young people cultivate their potential and chart a path toward success. The BK West Football Documentary aligns with this vision, telling the story of football’s transformative impact on the lives of Gambian youth.
Porte’s recognition not only highlights his personal achievements but also shines a global spotlight on the remarkable work being done at BK West. His film serves as a compelling reminder of the immense potential that lies in investing in youth sports programs—not only in The Gambia but worldwide.
The documentary is set to premiere in The Gambia in the coming months, with planned screenings across the country aimed at inspiring young people to pursue scholar-athlete paths. The event will coincide with an initiative named “Footsteps of Hope” to expand BK West Academy into rural communities, further empowering Gambian youth and discouraging irregular migration through the promise of education and athletic opportunity.
This powerful story of resilience and hope illustrates how football can do more than entertain—it can change lives. Through Porte’s lens, the world now has a clearer view of how Gambian youth are finding a brighter future through the beautiful game.
