By Seedy Jobe
United Democratic Party (UDP) Secretary General and Party Leader Ousainu A.M. Darboe on Saturday officially opened a football tournament in Foni Bullock, expressing confidence that Gambian sports will experience significant growth over the next decade.
Addressing the opening ceremony, organized by the Bullock Sports Association, Darboe thanked the association for inviting the UDP to sponsor the tournament, describing the partnership as a reflection of the party’s commitment to promoting sports development at both the community and national levels.
He said the tournament represents more than a football competition, calling it a platform that brings communities together while providing young athletes with an opportunity to showcase their talent.
Darboe expressed optimism that Foni Bullock could produce future national team players and international footballers, noting that the quality of football displayed by young Gambians demonstrates the country’s untapped potential.
“We have the talent,” he said, adding that with the right support and opportunities, local players can compete at the highest levels.
Looking ahead, the veteran politician predicted substantial progress across Gambian sports over the next 10 years. While highlighting football, he said he also expects growth in athletics, wrestling, and other sporting disciplines, provided young people remain committed to developing their talents.
He stressed that the country’s youth stand to benefit the most from continued investment in sports and urged them to believe in their abilities.
Darboe also used the occasion to discourage irregular migration, commonly known as the “backway,” urging young Gambians to pursue opportunities at home instead of risking their lives on dangerous journeys abroad.
“Youth, let us leave the backway. Everybody wants something, but let us not risk our lives. We can achieve it here,” he said.
He argued that with the right environment and support systems, Gambian youth can realize their ambitions without leaving the country.
As part of his vision for sports development, Darboe called for the expansion of football academies to identify and nurture young talent from an early age, saying structured training pathways are essential to producing professional athletes.
The tournament’s opening ceremony attracted community members, sports officials, and supporters from across the Foni region.
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