By Aja Beyai
Yesterday, Unique Global FC, in partnership with the ECA, held a press conference to discuss the upcoming trial and Continuous Professional Development (CPD) program led by members of the Elite Coaching Academy, set to take place in The Gambia starting tomorrow.
Papa Yusupha Njie, the president of Unique Global Football Club, emphasized the importance of investing in the lives of young people through football. He expressed optimism about the potential of their current partnerships to foster learning and growth within the sport.
He shared his excitement about collaborating with influential figures like Jason and Eddie, who have successfully broken barriers in the football world. Mr. Njie pointed out that one of Gambia’s biggest challenges has been the lack of structure in football. While there is an amateur league in place, he noted that efforts are underway to establish a professional league. He also mentioned ongoing discussions about improving wages for teams, indicating a strong desire to enhance the local football framework.
Jason Ngandu, the Head of Academy Recruitment at Portsmouth FC, who is currently in his sixth season with the club, shared his extensive background in football.
“Previously, I was Head of Recruitment at Dagenham and Redbridge, also in the Football League at that time. I’ve worked for Wolves in the Premier League for a season and managed at the semi-professional level with a team called Leighton Athletic. So, my background is all in football. I studied sports journalism at the University of East London and obtained a degree there.” He said.
Jason expressed his hope to share knowledge and experiences from the English football system, particularly the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP), which has significantly improved the performance of national teams in recent years.
This plan was introduced in 2012 to address England’s struggles in international tournaments. Since then, England’s teams, including both men’s and women’s, have achieved notable successes, such as reaching the finals of the Euros and the semi-finals of the World Cup.
Mr Jason, who have extensive experience in academy football at a club like Portsmouth, emphasize their commitment to sharing the insights gained from the EPPP with Gambian football. They believe that with the right structure and support, the existing talent in Gambia can flourish and lead to similar successes.
“We’re starting to see players like Yankuba Minteh succeed in Europe, particularly in the Premier League, which highlights the potential talent in Gambia. The goal is to create pathways for young Gambian players to access opportunities in professional clubs, as emphasized by Eddie and the ECA. While there’s a lot of talent, the focus is on systematically improving the football framework to help these players shine.” He stated
Adeniran Adeyinka Abimbola Adetoyese Jr, the Head of Academy Recruitment at Millwall FC, shared insights about the demanding nature of his role, which involves scouting players from the age of seven up to 21. He emphasized that their search for talent extends beyond England, reaching players from all around the world.
“That is pretty much what has brought us here today. Our goal is to discover and provide opportunities for many young boys in The Gambia. I’m confident that from tomorrow’s trial and the one on the 2nd of January, we will uncover a lot of talent. We discover players by giving them opportunities they might not have had before. That’s what we’ve come to do.
We are looking at players not just in England but also in places like France and Finland, where they can gain more education in football. However, our aim is not solely to take players to Europe; we also want to improve football here in Gambia. We want to develop home-grown players and nurture talent within the country.”
He further stated, “It’s fantastic that players are moving to Europe and developing at other clubs, but it’s also time for Gambia to start developing its own players within its own infrastructure.”
Edi Sallah a Gambian, who is also the lead head of Youth Development Phase for Portsmouth Academy, expressed his thoughts, saying, “It’s my hometown. This is where I come from, and bringing my friends and colleagues here and seeing the ex-national team player and president of Kanifing, along with Yannick, who is also an ex-footballer, has been incredibly helpful for us. Everything seems to be falling into place for Gambia football.”
He emphasized that this initiative is not just about the trials; it represents a long-term vision for football in the country, focusing on coaching, education, and overall development. ECA aims to change the current dynamics of football in Gambia.
He continued, “Gambia has talent, but how are we going to nurture that talent? How are we going to upscale our coaches? Those are the key areas we need to start developing. I believe that with the help of everyone, including our partners, we can achieve this. It’s a long journey ahead, but we have to start from somewhere.”
Yannick Rubens Salem, a former player Stockport County, he also represented the national team of Congo, said, “It’s not just about Gambia; it’s about Africa. When I play soccer, I understand something: these young African players need amazing support.
That’s why we are here for that objective. It’s not just about business; it’s about seeing them grow as players, receiving an education.
We want to see them around the world, becoming significant figures in the football business, helping their families, and building for the new generation.”
This initiative represents a significant step towards developing Gambian football and nurturing the next generation of players and coaches.
