As proud bronze medalists in the recently concluded African Youth Championship finals, held in Congo Brazzaville, Gambians are ready to start preparing for the FIFA U-20 world showpiece in Canada, starting from June 30 to July 22, 2007.

A 2-0 result in Gambia’s Group A opener with youth powerhouse Burkina Faso, set them on their way, and was followed up by a slim but deserving 1-0 win over hosts Congo to ensure a place at the world finals in the Great White North.

The claiming of bronze medals in the Congo Championship was a significant achievement for the Darling Scorpions.

Canada 2007 is Gambia’s first-ever trip to a FIFA U-20 World Cup, thanks to the tireless effort of the team, the enthusiastic fans, the national football governing body, the Youth & Sports department and more importantly, the benevolent Gambian leader, Dr Alhagi Yahya Jammeh whose personal contribution towards the team remains a great force to be reckoned with.

As the number one fan of Scorpions and Chief Patron of all sporting associations, the Gambian leader has admittedly proven a great sports fan and it is no surprise that Gambia is reaching highest peak in football development during President Jammeh’s tenure of office.

Apart from throwing his weight behind Gambian teams whenever they eye international arena, President Jammeh has also set pace for other avid sports lovers. Within a short period of one-and-half-year, over five hundred Gambian fans and journalists, irrespective of tribe, religion or political affiliation have made two successful outing to cheer up Gambian teams in an international arena thanks to President Jammeh.

With a dynamic and development-oriented leader like President Jammeh, it will be no surprise when Gambia books an historic place at the 2010 FIFA World Cup to be hosted in South Africa.