A  weeklong FIFA Advanced Coaching Course for 30 Gambian coaches drawn from the first and second division clubs last Saturday ended at the National Technical Training Centre in Yundum.

Delivering his statement at the occasion the first vice president of the Gambia Football Association, Major General Lang Tombong Tamba, said the Gambia Football Association has attached great importance to coaching education noting that one cannot aspire to be a good footballer without good coaching adding that FIFA has been a great source of support  to the GFA in this direction.

Major General Tamba pointed out that as part of their football development program for 2009, FIFA has approved two courses one for refereeing and the other in administration for June and July of this year.

He also challenged coaches to impact the knowledge gained during the training to the National league.

He commended the FIFA course instructor from South Africa, Mr Urban de-Kock, for the high level of professionalism he demonstrated during the training course.

For his part the FIFA course instructor, Mr Kock, also commended the Gambian coaches. He stated that Gambian coaches are really great and that is why it is not a surprise their Under 17 team is doing well currently in Algeria.

Speaking at the closing ceremony the Governor of Western Region, Lamin Sanneh, described coaches as good motivators and role models to players adding that the training has come to complement both the GFA and government in the area of football.

Participants were awarded Attendance Certificates at the end of the course.