The stage is set for an electrifying showdown as the inaugural B4L Youth League finals take place tomorrow, Wednesday, April 19, 2025, at 4:30 PM at the Box Bar Mini Stadium in Brikama.
After an action-packed season featuring 20 youth football academy teams primarily from the KM and West Coast regions, two standout teams have emerged to battle for the championship: Jarisu Talents Academy from Kafuta Village, Kombo East, and Lahaiba FA from Faji Kunda. Both teams have remained unbeaten throughout the league, setting the stage for an intense final. Lahaiba FA topped Group A, while Jarisu Talents finished third in the same group, narrowly missing out on second place to BK West United due to goal difference. Both teams cruised through the knockout rounds, winning their quarterfinal and semifinal matches. Their group-stage encounter ended in a tense goalless draw, adding to the anticipation for what promises to be a thrilling final.
This league has served as a platform for grassroots talent to shine. Baboucarr Mbye, one of the league coordinators, highlighted its impact, noting that three players from the B4L Youth League were selected for the Gambia U17 national team during the last WAFU tournament. Additionally, several players have been scouted to participate in an international tournament in Europe later this year, showcasing the league’s success in nurturing and exposing young talent. The league’s expansion is already underway, with the U17 league in Basse currently in progress in partnership with the URR Academy Association, further spreading its mission of talent development across the country.
Football is more than just a game—it is a powerful tool for social good. Lamin Bojang, another league coordinator, emphasized the league’s founding objectives, stating, “Football has the power to bring immense social good to our communities. Beyond the pitch, we’ve used this platform to educate the boys against substance abuse and other social vices. It’s been a fun-filled year for the academies and us as organizers. Every weekend, these young people have come together at the Box Bar Mini Stadium, not just to play football but to build friendships, brotherhood, and life skills that extend far beyond the game.” This holistic approach underscores the league’s commitment to using football as a vehicle for positive change, fostering not only athletic excellence but also personal growth and community development.
As the final approaches, the question on everyone’s mind is: Who will be crowned champion of the inaugural B4L Youth League? Will it be Jarisu Talents Academy, known for their resilience and tactical prowess, or Lahaiba FA, who dominated their group with consistent performances? Both teams have showcased exceptional skill and teamwork throughout the league, making this final a must-watch event for football enthusiasts.
The B4L league is a worthy initiative using the unifying power of football to celebrate talent and community.
