A new creative game called Futsal is being introduced in The Gambia by a group called The Gambia Sports Development team who are currently  holding a three-day training course for Gambian coaches currently in session at the Independence Stadium in Bakau.

A group of seven coaches from the United Kingdom who have vast experience of sports especially in football and basketball are conducting the programme.

The programme was set up last year by Paul Whatmough together with Jon Rogers and was very successful with schools and with the University of Worcester.

Paul Whatmough, one of the coaches, said Futsal is a creative game of football and it allows creative players to express themselves.

The game is a 5-Aside one which allows twelve players to be registered for a game.

According to Paul Whatmough they have conducted training in five different schools with a total number of about 1500 children. He said, “during the programmes in the schools, the children were very enthusiastic and they all want to learn. It is a pleasure to teach them.”

“We have raised about 11,000 pounds to come here  and intend to donate a lot of sporting materials for schools, conduct lessons for coaches and schools.”

He also spoke on the group’s intention to introduce internationally-recognised courses for the Football Association of The Gambia and come with more coaches next year.

The Gambia Football Association, Deputy Permanent Secretary Abdoulie Kah, and Musa Mendy of the Education Department, were commended by the team for their support.

Paul Whatmough is currently in The Gambia together with Jon Rogers, Tom Waud, Will Harding, Adam Crowle, Ian Urry and Tom Clement as part of a three weeks programme which involves training programme for schools.