A football academy initiated and funded by Njogu Demba, Gambian professional who plays his club football in the Dennis First Division league was launched yesterday at Bakau.

The launch of the academy, which houses over 100 Gambian youngsters between the ages of 9 to 16, was graced by scores of football enthusiasts, including the SoS for Youth, Sports and Religious Affairs, Mr. Sheikh Omar Faye and First Vice President of the Gambia Football Association, who also doubles as Chief of Defence Staff of the Gambia Armed Forces, Brigadier-General, Lang Tombong Tamba.

Speaking at the gathering, Secretary of State Sheikh Omar Faye said the launch of the academy marks another milestone achievement in the history of Gambian sports, particularly football. He then hailed the brainchild of the academy, Njogu Demba, for his unflinching commitment towards Gambian kids, adding that the initiation of such a centre is timely and worthy for the upliftment of grassroot football in the country.
He implored the interns of the academy to use the tools of discipline and tolerance and also to be focused for the attainment of a prospective career.

Brigadier-General Lang Tombong Tamba, First Vice-President of the Gambia Football Association, assures the baby academy of association’s full support.
He said Njogu Demba has vindicated himself by not only wearing Gambian colour, but by establishing a centre that will help Gambian kids to become future professionals like him. He finally tasked the management of the centre to strive for its sustenance for the good of Gambian football.

For his part, elated Njogu Demba said, Gambian kids deserve a better training facility just like he had in Sweden during his childhood days, hence the establishment of such a training centre. “I conceived this idea of establishing a soccer academy in The Gambia soon after the signing of my first professional contract with a Swedish Second Division side, Fallun B. I am happy that the dream has been realised today,” he said.
While commending the Gambia Football Association and Sports Department for providing a conducive environment for the establishment of the academy, Demba called on all Gambians to see the centre as their own asset that aims to develop Gambian youngsters.