200 Trees Planted During the Inaugural Launch of the “Goals for Trees” Initiative.
The B4L Youth League, BK West United, and Jarisu Talents Football Academy, in collaboration with the Kombo East Youth and Children Development Alliance (KEYCDA), have officially launched the “Goals for Trees” initiative in Talokoto Village, located in the Kombo East District of the West Coast Region on Saturday 17th August,2024.
The primary objectives of this initiative are to harness football’s influence for climate action, encourage sportsmen and fans to plant trees, mobilize environmental stewards, and regenerate lost forests. This ongoing project aims to foster environmental responsibility within communities.
“We’re delighted to partner with KEYCDA, a reputable and consistent youth and sports organization, to grow more trees across the region and use the influence of football to mobilize grassroots actors to support this endeavor,” said Lamin Bojang, Coordinator of the Goals for Trees Initiative under BK West United. “If you look around, the development of football fields takes up a lot of space. In this process, we cut down trees, and this affects the environment. Engaging in such innovative schemes—by planting a tree for every goal scored at our football games and across all summer ‘Nawettan’ football zones in the region—will greatly contribute to creating greener communities and building the climate resilience of our communities,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of KEYCDA, Binta Gibba emphasized, “This is a noble venture. Imagine a tree for every goal scored at our football competitions over the next 10 years. This will significantly contribute to mitigating the effects of climate change. As a youth-led organization with chapters across the region, participating in this initiative will also foster community ownership, where more environmental stewards can be nurtured to take this initiative to the next level. We’re calling on every stakeholder to join us in this endeavor to grow more trees and protect our planet.”
Mr. Cherno Barry of BK West United highlighted the broader social impact of the initiative, stating, “Football is one of the sports that has the power to bring about many positive social impacts on our communities. Creating a greener planet, one goal at a time, is unprecedented. Using football to engage the youth as stewards of the environment is a sustainable solution in building smart leaders who will be conscious of their environmental responsibilities. We use the occasion to donate footballs to the partner communities to support young people to play football. We’re excited to undertake this initiative year-round and across the country.”
The Importance of Leveraging Football for Positive Social Impact
Football, often referred to as the world’s most popular sport, has an unparalleled ability to unite people across different backgrounds and cultures. This universal appeal makes it an ideal platform for driving social change. The Goals for Trees initiative is a prime example of how football can be harnessed to address critical global challenges like climate change.
By integrating environmental stewardship into football, the initiative not only promotes physical activity and community engagement but also instills a sense of responsibility towards the planet among young people. Football’s vast reach can inspire many to take small, meaningful actions, such as planting a tree, that collectively have a profound impact on the environment.
Moreover, initiatives like this create opportunities for youth to develop leadership skills and a sense of purpose as they contribute to building a more sustainable future. In regions where the effects of climate change are particularly severe, such as the West Coast Region of The Gambia, combining sports with environmental activism can lead to transformative outcomes for both communities and ecosystems.
The Goals for Trees initiative is not just about planting trees; it’s about planting the seeds of change—using the power of football to cultivate a generation of environmentally conscious individuals who will champion the cause of sustainability for years to come.