The B4L Youth League has entered into a landmark partnership with JIYAL Sports to deliver full recording and live streaming coverage for the upcoming B4L Youth League 2026 season, marking a major step forward in the modernization of youth football in The Gambia.
The agreement, signed today, will see JIYAL Sports provide comprehensive production services for the U-17 competition, including match recording, live streaming, and post-production content. Now entering its third edition, the league has attracted overwhelming interest, receiving close to 150 applications from teams across the country.
Speaking on the development, Baboucarr Mbye, Coordinator of the B4L Youth League, expressed excitement about the partnership. He confirmed that despite the high number of applicants, the competition will be limited to 32 teams due to infrastructure and logistical constraints. The teams will be divided into four groups of eight, with each team playing seven matches during the group stage.
“This partnership ensures that every game will be professionally recorded and streamed across various platforms,” Mbye said. “Scouts, agents, and clubs will have access to high-quality footage, while coaches can review performances to improve player development.”
According to the agreement , JIYAL Sports will deploy advanced wide-angle Veo camera systems optimized for scouting, enabling full-pitch visibility for better player tracking and tactical analysis. Matches will be streamed live on the league’s official platforms, while weekly highlights and professionally edited content—including branding, score overlays, and graphics—will also be produced. The partnership further includes post-production services and the option for individual player highlight videos, providing additional exposure opportunities for young talents.
Since its inception in 2023 as a U-15 competition, the B4L Youth League has evolved into a U-17 tournament and continues to establish itself as a vital platform for nurturing emerging talent. Several players discovered through the league have gone on to represent the national U-17 team, while others have secured pre-contract agreements with European clubs, pending their 18th birthdays.
Alieu Sowe, Co-founder of B4L, emphasized the importance of the collaboration, particularly in addressing visibility challenges in Gambian football.
“We have immense talent in The Gambia, but exposure remains a major challenge,” Sowe said. “This partnership will deliver high-quality, modern football recording that meets global standards, allowing our players to be seen beyond our borders.”
He added that in today’s digital age, high-tech recording and data-driven analysis have become essential tools in football development and scouting.
“Football has evolved, and so has the way talent is discovered. With professional-grade video, analytics, and consistent coverage, our players can now be assessed the same way as their peers anywhere in the world. This will not only help them secure opportunities with top clubs but also strengthen the talent pipeline for our national teams.”
The 2026 edition of the B4L Youth League is expected to feature 127 matches in total and promises to be a transformative competition, combining grassroots talent with modern technology to elevate youth football in The Gambia.
