By Yunus S. Saliu
The Unique Heritage Talent Management Agency (UHTMA), in partnership with Spanish La Liga club Real Betis, on Friday launched a Real Betis Football Camp in The Gambia, aimed at nurturing young football talent and providing pathways for professional career development.
The opening ceremony was held at the Brusubi Phase II Football Ground, marking a significant step in grassroots football development in the country. The camp targets players aged between six and 16 and will run from January 23 to 25, 2026, in collaboration with a local football academy.
Speaking at the event, UHTMA member Momodou Ceesay said the agency’s vision begins with football and extends to nurturing talent both on and off the pitch.
“Unique Heritage Talent Management Agency is committed to providing representation and comprehensive career management services that help young athletes maximise their potential,” he said.
Ceesay described the involvement of Real Betis, based in Seville, Spain, as a major boost for youth development in The Gambia. Real Betis competes in La Liga, Spain’s top football division.
Sebastian Forst, UHTMA’s Operational Manager, described the initiative as the fulfilment of a long-held dream.
“Many individuals and companies have spoken about bringing a major European club to The Gambia, but today our agency has turned that dream into reality,” he said. “This camp is about giving Gambian players hope and creating pathways to a positive future.”
Real Betis coaches Javier López Alonso and Santiago González Márquez said they were excited about the collaboration and praised the abundance of football talent in the country.
“We are here to help develop Gambian players using the same methodology we apply in Seville and across our international academies,” they said. “The talent in The Gambia and Africa is incredible, and we want to support its development in a professional and structured way.”
They said more than 100 young players are expected to participate in the three-day camp and expressed hope that the initiative could lead to a long-term academy partnership.
Spanish Chargé d’Affaires to The Gambia, Violeta Insa, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a valuable opportunity for Gambian youth.
“This is more than just a three-day camp; it is the beginning of what we hope will be a much bigger project,” she said. “It gives children the chance to learn football skills, discipline, values, and to dream about developing a professional career.”
Sarah Camara, representing the acting Executive Director of the National Sports Council, commended UHTMA for the initiative and welcomed Real Betis to The Gambia.
“Sports, especially football, remain a powerful tool for youth empowerment and national development,” he said. “This camp offers young players a rare opportunity to experience international-standard coaching and modern football methodologies.”
He urged parents to support their children and called on young players to remain disciplined and committed, noting that talent alone is not enough for success.
He reaffirmed the National Sports Council’s commitment to strengthening partnerships that promote sustainable sports development and talent identification, while congratulating the organisers on what he described as a timely and impactful initiative.
