The Minister of Youth and Sports said, the government through his ministry is committed to youth and sports development in the country. 

“The government through my ministry is committed to supporting youth and sports development in the country. We are ready to work with your academy and other academies to develop the sport and produce more players for our country,” he said during his visit to Medina Football Academy in Lamin, West Coast Region.

Hon. Badjie’s visit came following an invitation from Medina Football Academy to familiarize himself with the development and challenges of the academy.

The academy established a few years ago is currently building a standard football ground in Yundum. The academy consists of different age categories, under 9, 11, 12, 15, and 17.

According to Hon. Badjie, football academies are a very important cornerstone to the development of football in the country.

“To have a place where young people and children are availed with the opportunity to learn skills on how to play football is vital. This is what has been missing in the past,” he said.

He noted that academies help nurture good talents that can move the country to another level.

Minister Badjie, has the conviction that the young stars could one day represent the country in the international arena and encourages them to take both sports and education seriously.  This he said because there is life after football.

Sanna Jobarteh, General Manager, Medina Football Academy described the minister’s visit as a form of motivation for the young players.

He said for them the most important people are the players. “We put a high premium on education here. This is why every member here is school-going”

He added that their effort is aimed at complement the effort of the government in the development of football in the country.

Pa Ceesay, Co-Founder of Madina Football Academy, said the academy was established to give the kids the platform to achieve their dreams in football.

 

By: Awa Macalo