Youth Health via Sport
The Vision
‘The lack of support for sport and recreation’ was identified as ‘one of the key areas that hinders economic development in The Gambia’ by a UNICEF report in 2021. It is safe to say it is through no lack of effort on the part of ordinary people. When you walk the beach, you come across many individuals and groups of Gambians putting themselves through personalised fitness regimes.
Health is the focus of aidgambia The Community Health Charity and we encourage youth participation in sport. Our Clinical Adviser, Lamin, was a keen footballer and is heavily involved in the running and organisation of the famous Yarambamba Football Academy. The Trustees have another long time friend Bas, who is well known for the time, effort and dedication he provides to his AVIC Football Academy in his free time.
It all seems a natural fit to support both these Academies. We were therefore delighted to match fund an annual Youth Health Cup to celebrate our partnerships and their individual achievments. The first was held in March 2022 with the most recent in January 2026.
Our Partners
AVIC
Football Academy
Momodou Bashirou BESSANE
affectionately known as 'Bas', manages the AVIC Football Academy.
Bas has a licence to coach at academy level from the Gambian Football Association (GFA) and is passionately committed to running training sessions for over 55 keen footballers every Saturday!
In 2020 there were 61 registered players. Bas organises sessions for three age groups – under 12s, 14s, and 17s.
Yarambamba Football Academy
Supplying Sporting Equipment
Key health concerns among young Gambians are hypertension and diabetes.
For over 6 years, aidgambiaTCHC has supported the Academy by providing footballs and training equipment to help promote physical well-being among the youth of The Gambia.
The Trustees’ Clinical Advisors, Lamin and Chernor, are assisting AVIC Football Academy by organising First Aid training and equipment for the coaches. To further promote awareness of the risks of hypertension and diabetes among the young, they arrange health-awareness football matches with other academies.
2026 update
We were delighted to bring out more equipment again this year. Including referee kits.
Youth Health Cup
We have been very fortunate to partner with some excellent youth football teams. One of our CAT's (Clinical Advisers to Trustees) organised a football tournament and from there we developed the idea of an annual cup competition. The following showcases the results......
