By Hadday Touray
The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) on Tuesday received the Student Union executive of Supdeco University, Banjul campus, at Football House in Kanifing, as the two sides discussed possible collaboration for the upcoming Inter-University Football Tournament.
The delegation, led by Union President Mam Marie Darboe, was received by the GFF Competitions Director, Baboucarr Jobe, standing in for the General Secretary, Lamin M. Jassey.
Speaking during the meeting, Darboe said the visit was aimed at seeking the Federation’s support for the tournament scheduled for June–July 2026. She commended the GFF leadership under President Lamin Kaba Bajo for the strides registered in Gambian football, particularly the country’s back-to-back qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals.
She noted that the progress achieved has boosted confidence in the sector and expressed optimism about the future of football in The Gambia.
For his part, Student Union Secretary General Eric Omar Ceesay said the proposed tournament is an initiative of Supdeco University, Banjul campus, designed to promote collaboration, unity and youth development among tertiary institutions.
He added that the competition seeks to foster peace, national cohesion and solidarity among young people, especially in an election year, using football as a tool for unity.
Responding, Jobe thanked the students for the initiative, describing it as timely and forward-looking. He underscored the importance of strengthening partnerships with institutions and corporate bodies in line with the GFF’s objective of broadening participation and enhancing the visibility of football across the country.
He assured the delegation of the Federation’s support for the successful organisation of the tournament.
The Inter-University Football Tournament, the first of its kind in The Gambia, is expected to bring together eight tertiary institutions, including the University of The Gambia, University of Education, Civil Service University, University of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology, American International University, Hadigala International College, International Open University and Supdeco University, Banjul campus.
The competition is also intended to serve as a platform for identifying and nurturing football talent within the student community.
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