By Fatou Bojang
In a remarkable advancement for Gambian football, Unique Global Football Academy has partnered with the Elite Coaching Academy (ECA) from the United Kingdom. This partnership was announced during a Friday event at the Kombo Beach Hotel.
This collaboration is set to play a pivotal role in nurturing youth talent in The Gambia through coaching sessions, competitive matches, and trial opportunities with professional clubs in England and across Europe.
The partnership, which brings together Unique Global Football Academy—the youth division of Gambian club Uni-Global FC—and the esteemed Elite Coaching Academy (ECA), aims to elevate the development of young footballers in The Gambia.
The initiative will focus on players aged 12 to 19 and provide world-class coaching and scouting prospects, empowering these athletes to compete at higher levels on local and international stages.
Key activities include football trials scheduled for the 31st of this month and the 2nd of next month to select at least ten players for ECA’s specialized training sessions. Additionally, on the 4th, a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course for local coaches and scouts will be held, showcasing best practices from the English football system.
Colin Barnes, head of recruitment at Crystal Palace FC, has been visiting The Gambia for over a decade and is eager to share his insights. He firmly believes that with the proper infrastructure and coaching, Gambian players have the potential to shine on the world stage. Barnes is dedicated to fostering local talent and underscores the importance of athleticism, technical skills, and a strong work ethic among young players.
He remarked that “raw talent alone won’t get you there.” In the upcoming week, representatives from ECA, including scouts from various UK clubs, will conduct events to identify promising players. He also called upon local stakeholders to invest in facilities and educational programs to secure the long-term success of youth athletes.
Saul Frazer, Vice President of Uni-Global FC, conveyed enthusiasm about the partnership and its potential to drive growth in Gambian football. He noted, “We believe that our joint efforts can lead to unique opportunities for both Gambia and ourselves.”
Frazer emphasized that as Gambian football stands on the brink of significant evolution, the collaboration with ECA offers a vital chance for young athletes to gain the training and exposure needed to enhance their skills and pursue professional careers in the sport.
