It would be recalled that the Head of Sports from Middlesex University visited The Gambia in 2009 and had fruitful discussion with the Ministry of Youth and Sports as well as signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Since then the Middlesex University students and staff have been providing greater impact in the field of sports development in the country.

Recently the development officer of the National Sports Council (NSC), Fabakary Touray visited the University on a study tour and made comprehensive presentations on the status of Gambian sports development and efforts of the Ministry of Youth and Sports in our mandate to develop sports in the country.

The University has expressed interest in learning more about the sporting skills in The Gambia to access the needs on how we can collaborate to improve its standards.

During their two-week stay in The Gambia the university will conduct Sports Leadership Training for 30 Gambians, Football Coaching for 22 Gambians, Training of Trainers (TOT) for three Gambians with first degree or equivalent in the field of sport, visit Kanilai on 19 February and have cultural night with the community, visit Jarra Sankuya to explore the opportunity of establishing a rowing club.

The university will hold important talks with the Ministry of Youth and Sports and other relevant stakeholders.

The team will be led by Dr Jackie Jeffrey of Middlesex University and co-hosted by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Sindola Hotel, Kanilai Community and Sankuya Community respectively.

Mamudou Max Jallow

Executive Secretary - National Sports Council