Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL) – The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education in The Gambia has issued a statement banning the Gambia Football Federation’s (GFF) scouting activities involving students of different age categories in schools. While acknowledging the importance of talent identification in sports, the Ministry emphasized the need to prioritize students’ education.

The Ministry’s directive therefore instructs all regional directors to inform principals and head teachers of public and private schools to halt all student participation in football trials with the GFF without the approval of the permanent secretary.

The Ministry urged the GFF to coordinate with them to ensure that these scouting activities do not interfere with students’ academic responsibilities. They emphasized the importance of collaboration between the organizations to benefit both the development of young athletes and the academic success of students.

Some teachers have supported the Ministry’s decision, stating that before conducting trials, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) should be established between the GFF and the Ministry.

They criticized the GFF’s scouting methods as lacking proper coordination and communication with regional directorates, leading to repeated issues with the practice.