by DR Modou Lamin Touray
In sport, talent may open the door to success, but good health keeps that door open. Across The Gambia, young athletes pursue their dreams of representing their clubs, communities and nation. Yet, one preventable injury can interrupt years of hard work, derail promising careers and impose significant financial and emotional burdens on athletes and their families.
The good news is that many sports injuries can be reduced through structured, evidence based injury prevention programs.
Injury prevention is not simply about stretching before a match. It involves a combination of dynamic warm ups, strength training, balance and coordination exercises, neuromuscular control, appropriate landing techniques, and adequate recovery. Programs such as the FIFA 11+ have demonstrated the value of structured exercises in reducing injuries, particularly in football, when performed consistently and correctly.
For Gambian athletes, incorporating these exercises into regular training sessions could make a meaningful difference. Coaches and trainers should prioritise proper movement techniques, gradually increase training intensity, monitor fatigue, and ensure athletes have sufficient time to recover. Particular attention should be given to young athletes, whose bodies are still developing, and female athletes, who may have specific injury risk factors requiring tailored prevention strategies.
However, injury prevention cannot be the responsibility of athletes alone. Sports associations, clubs and schools must invest in coach education, qualified medical support, safe playing environments and accessible rehabilitation services. Athletes should also be encouraged to report pain and early warning signs rather than playing through injuries that may worsen over time.
As The Gambia continues to develop its sporting potential, protecting athletes must become as important as developing their performance. Every training session presents an opportunity to build resilience, improve movement and reduce avoidable risks.
A successful sporting nation is not measured only by the medals it wins, but also by how effectively it protects the people who pursue them. By making injury prevention a routine part of training, we can protect careers, strengthen our sporting system and give Gambian athletes a better chance to fulfil their potential.
Prevention is an investment in every athlete’s future.
