The Luton Gambian Association in the UK on Sunday 11^th October, 2009, welcomed theU-17 teams and officials in a grand style. Gambians in the UK came from different parts to see the boys and express their appreciation for their wonderful performance and achievement.

While the team was donated a giant trophy, all the officers were decorated with a new watch. The watches were donated by Pa Hassan Badjan, a well-known teacher, sports presenter and writer, based in London. The purpose of the meeting was in recognition of the U-17 team’s achievement and love for our beloved country.

The programe was punctuated with powerful speeches from distinguished speakers, all of whom, advised the players to do their level best to bring the trophy to The Gambia next month.

Mr. Bai Malleh Wadda, a well-known Gambian sportsman gave them words of wisdom and recommendation, which he described as ‘Ds’ in sports: Dedication, Discipline and Dignity. He emphasised that players need to watch these words and put them into practise at all times.

“Only sportsmen/women can raise a national flag of a country to the higher heights. So you must try to be perfect Ambassadors of The Gambia in Nigeria. Never let us down,” Mr. Wadda told the motivated boys and encouraged them to keep up the momentum.

Mr. Raymond Gibba, former Executive Secretary of the National Youth Council also congratulated the players and their officers. He urged them to put all their hearts and souls in the game.

The Chairman of the Luton Gambian Association, Mr. Amat Jaw Cham expressed his profound gratitude and happiness to the team and their officers. He advised the players to be focused and play with commitment and determination. 

He congratulated Mr. Seedy Kinteh and the team leader, Mr. Trema Dahaba for making their visit to Luton a success story. Cham thanked the Head Coach and his team for their efforts, urging them to keep up the good work.

Mr. Dahaba, on behalf of the team, expressed their appreciation to the Luton group for the hospitality accorded to them.

He recalled that such a warm welcome to the U-17 national team has never happened before even in the case of the senior team throughout their international camp. Mr. Dahaba thanked their sponsors for making their training camp in the UK a success. He thanked President Yahya Jammeh for his continuous support to the team.

Max Jallow delivered the votes of thanks.

Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil Nyass led the meeting with prayers and prayed for the team.  The programme was chaired by Cherno Jallow (commonly called Pulo Boy).