Faraba Banta, The Gambia – In a powerful demonstration of environmental stewardship, over 200 trees were planted at the University of The Gambia’s Faraba Banta campus through a joint initiative by Ballers4Life Youth League (B4L), the University of The Gambia Student Union, and Go Green Generation. The event is part of a growing movement using football as a platform for positive social and environmental change.
The tree planting activity is a continuation of a campaign launched last year by the B4L Youth League where players dedicate a tree for every goal and assist recorded during the season. The idea is to balance the environmental impact of the sport such as deforestation from field construction and carbon emissions from travel by actively contributing to reforestation and climate awareness.
“Football is beyond the 90 minutes for us,” said Lahaiba Kujabie, President of Lahaiba FA, one of the league’s teams. “We are shaping young leaders who understand that their influence can be used to protect the environment. Planting a tree today is securing the future, both for football and the planet.”
The tree planting effort included a wide variety of species, notably several fruit trees that in coming years will provide not just shade and lower temperatures around campus but also nutritional and economic benefits. Among the species planted was Afzelia africana, an endangered hardwood tree native to West Africa which has become increasingly rare in The Gambia. Its presence on campus will serve important ecological, research, and educational functions.
“Trees serve as living organisms that enhance balance in our ecosystem,” said Abdoulie Darboe, Minister of Agriculture and Environment, 23rd ExCO UTGSU. “They promote environmental protection, beautification, and climate change mitigation. Fruit trees in particular also contribute to food security. Planting more trees is an investment in a healthier and more sustainable future.”
Among the contributors to the day’s effort was Besenty Gomez, Founder of Seeds Academy and a member of Go Green Generation, who donated about 30 fruit trees including avocados, guavas, and soursop.
“Fruit tree planting is one of the most powerful ways to link environmental conservation with food security,” Gomez said. “We are planting trees beyond shade or beauty, we are creating future sources of nutrition and income. I urge every athlete regardless of your location to plant a tree. It is a simple but powerful act.”
“Seeing our boys take time off the pitch to plant trees was inspiring,” shared Ensa Ceesay, Head Coach of San Mames FC, who joined the event with his team. “This is how we teach responsibility by connecting their passion for football with the responsibility of protecting our environment.”
The involvement of the Student Union and environmental group Go Green Generation marked a significant collaboration between youth, academia, and civil society.
“When we launched the B4L League it was about giving young players a platform,” said Alieu Sowe, Co-Founder of Ballers4Life. “Now that some of them are playing in higher leagues and even traveling abroad we want to instill in them a sense of duty beyond football. With influence comes responsibility and this tree planting initiative is just the beginning.”
As global concern over climate change continues to rise, initiatives like this one are being hailed as innovative ways to engage youth and athletes in sustainability. With every assist and every goal, the Ballers4Life League is making sure that the game leaves more than just marks on the pitch — it leaves a lasting legacy of green across The Gambia.
