Football Gambia newsletter
| fg_powerpoint_presentation_feb_2012.pdf |
| fg_newsflash_november_2011.pdf |
| fg_newsflash_july_2011.pdf |
| fg_newsletter_june_2011.pdf |
| fg_newsflash_may_2011.pdf |
| fg_newsletter_may_2011.pdf |
| fg_newsletter_march_2011.pdf |
http://www.hertsad.co.uk/news/generous_st_albans_man_opens_his_second_charity_shop_1_893073
http://www.hertsad.co.uk/news/st_albans_coaches_football_mission_to_gambia_school_1_834387
http://www.hertsad.co.uk/news/st_albans_football_coach_chops_off_dreadlocks_for_charity_1_647658
NewsFlash May 2011
Football Gambia on Gambian TV!
Dave Revell, Treasurer, FG and Yahya Manneh, Gambian Director, FG appeared on Gambian TV Channel ‘GRTS’ in February. Yahya was instrumental in making this happen and his efforts were co-ordinated with the Gambian Football Association (GFA) and The Ministry of Youth & Sport. ‘GRTS’ broadcasted the presentation, by Yahya and the GFA, of football materials e.g. footballs and tactic boards to football academies in the 1st & 2nd division (the highest tier of Gambian football). Special thanks to David and Elise from Umbro, (RSHME), Dubai and Derrick Williams from Kit Aid UK. To watch the video simply follow this link: http://www.footballgambia.org/videos.html
FG sponsors an inspirational Gambian coach
Twenty four year old Buba Touray is no ordinary coach. He attended FG's level 1 coaching course in January run by Rob 'Scouse' Munro who recognised Buba’s exceptional coaching skills. After falling down a well when he was 12 months old and the victim of a terrible hospital error, his hands were then amputated by mistake! Despite this, he performed well at school and passed his exams with flying colours.
Buba known as Pires (Arsenal Legend) was a great player but to avoid injury he decided to focus on football coaching. He set up his own football academy in his home town of Mandinaring, which has 3 teams: under 7s, 9s and 13s. FG has donated a sizeable amount of kit to Buba but he still needs support to manage his club efficiently. Buba coaches 6 times a week and has a responsibility to provide for his family. If you feel you can help Buba please email: info@footballgambia.org
School teachers supported by FG
In April, Ian Stapleton, Founder, FG ran a 2-day football course to school teachers in Lamin, The Gambia. The course was specifically designed for kids aged between 5-8 using mini footballs and cones markers. Fifteen teachers attended the course and on completion they all received coaching manuals, 17 mini footballs and 20 cones. Mr Mike from Kings Kid Primary School attended the course and then went on to facilitate a coaching session with 20 kids and demonstrated what he had learnt. View photos here: http://www.footballgambia.org/photos.html
Project Sittanunku
FG’s next project has been agreed; we aim to get two water bore holes professionally dug in Sittanunku, the north bank of The Gambia. Football club Sittanunku Utd has been allocated land by the village elders, which needs to be fenced, to be used as a football pitch and top cultivate a vegetable garden. One borehole will be positioned on the football pitch and the other in the women's garden. Both will be equipped with manual pumps and hoses and will enable the village to produce vegetables all year round! Once this project has been implemented the people of Sittanunku will be able to maintain a sustainable self-sufficient environment. If you want to get involved please email: info@footballgambia.org. View pictures of Sittanuku here: http://www.footballgambia.org/sittanunku.html
NEWSFLASH - MARCH 2011
1st Gambian fundraiser hailed as a success!
Back in the UK and reminiscing about the trip, James Hennser comments: “It was an amazing and unforgettable experience.” TJ said: “Thank you for that experience of home…it's opened my eyes about so much and will only make me a better person.”
These quotes are testament to how successful the trip was. Forty two supporters of FG travelled to Gambia to see from themselves the good work of FG, to help the people of the local communities and to play a few games of football in their spare time. The communities of Lamin, Brikama, Sittanunku, Gunjur and Serekunda cheered as the football games took place.
A considerable amount of commitment, by 20 members of the Group, went into fundraising to support the work of FG. This money has enable FG to send 3 shipments of much needed items to The Gambia.
Gerry Mansey said: “A truly humbling and authentic experience; well organised with a great bunch of people. I loved every minute of it and the Gambian guys, Alex, Ninja and Raggy were great hosts. Giving away the football kit and opening the office was a perfect finale.”
FG founder Ian Stapleton sums up the trip: “The detail is in the preparation and I wanted everyone to enjoy their experience. It was when I saw the guys dancing in the burning heat in Sittanunku, North Gambia with all the village members was when I knew that they were having a good time!”
Experience the trip for yourself through pictures and videos.
See FG’s website: http://www.footballgambia.org/gambia-trip-2011.html
http://www.footballgambia.org/videos.html
FG gets mentioned on Sky Sports courtesy of Afrikit
Ian Stapleton was in the Gambia when the report was aired. Football Gambia was referred to on Sky Sports and this was all down to Jack Hands from Afrikit, who was introduced to FG by Derrick Williams from Kit Aid. See the report here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNmckvoIj8U
Billy Wingrove embraces The Gambia
International football freestyler Billy Wingrove who also works for Tottenham FC, dazzled local kids and coaches in Gunjur, Sittanunku and Brikama with his intricate ball work. Billy comments: “I have never been on a trip like this before. It was great to dance with the locals and sample the food. I am amazed at how quick and skillful these young players are.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNmckvoIj8U
FG coach ‘Scouse’ Munro shares is expertise
A UEFA A Licence coach ‘Scouse’ Munro, successfully ran 3 coaching courses in The Gambia as part of the trip to grassroots and Division 1 and 2 coaches. Feedback from the participants was very positive. The only negative point was that they wanted the course to last longer! Well done Scouse and we hope to see you out there again soon.
The success of the trip would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of: Ian Stapleton (Founder); Phil Rostom (Cameraman); Christian Tailor (Art Teacher); ‘Scouse’, (UEFA A Football Coach); Clive Offer (Goalkeeper Coach); Billy Wingrove (Freestyle Footballer); Bakary ‘Raggy Road’ Bojang and Yahya Manneh (FG in The Gambia)
NEWSFLASH - JANUARY 2011
Supporters on their way to The Gambia
In January, a total of 44 people from the UK will visit The Gambia to participate in a mixed programme consisting of community involvement activities and football coaching. The team includes Ernst & Young employees, Middlesex University staff and students and fully qualified UK-based Football Coaches. Let’s not forget international free styling footballer Billy Wingrove – we are very happy to have him on board!
http://www.footballgambia.org/photos.html
Football Coaching
We will run several courses including football coaching courses, for FREE, to ‘Grassroots Gambian Coaches’. This includes:
· FG Level 1 Football Coaching (to 50-70 coaches)
· FG Level 2 Football Coaching (to Gambian Division 1 & 2 coaches)
· FG Level 1 Goalkeeper Coaching (to 50-70 coaches)
· FG Level 1 Freestyle Coaching (to 50-100 coaches) led by Billy Wingrove – Billy is the holder of 3 Guinness world records, he’s had over 40 Million hits on YouTube and is the only Football Freestyler to have a professional contract with a Premiership Club – Tottenham Hotspur - video footage below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cRmNgVv-tA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPNNj4x0hBQ
· Middlesex University will run a First Aid, Strapping and Rehabilitation course (to 50-70 coaches) – details below:
http://www.footballgambia.org/middlesex-university.html
· Medical expert, Abdoulie Cham, will perform a series of presentations on tuberculosis (TB) to the coaches.
If you are a Gambian coach and would like to participate in these courses, then please email Yahya Manneh, including details on your Football Club and/or Academy: info@footballgambiabjl.org. More details can be found on: http://www.footballgambia.org/events.html
Community Work
· The Team travelling to The Gambia will support local communities by painting a large community building in Marikissa and the Paper & Plastic recycling building in Fagi Kunda.
· FG has enlisted the support of a UK-based professional Hairstylist to run a ‘Barbers Workshop’ for the male Gambian youths. The ultimate goal is to set up a Barbershop where Gambian Hairstylists can work.
· FG will run an ‘Art Academy’ to nurseries across The Gambia showing teachers how they can apply various art techniques to run fun lessons for the children. This is also a great way for the children to learn and express themselves.
· There are other mini coaching projects going on as well with St. Albans City Youth FC, Middlesex University and Sutton Utd working with local schools and football academies in Sifoe & Gunjur.
Football Matches
While in The Gambia, the Team will play 5 football matches in the evenings in the towns of Brikama, Sittanunku, Gunjur, Lamin and Serekunda. The excitement is already building around these games, which will attract large crowds.
Lastly, I want to acknowledge the support of Derrick Williams and the team at Kit Aid. Derrick was an instrumental figure when I initially set up Football Gambia back in June 2009. He believed in our cause and supplied FG with football kits when others wouldn’t; he continues to support us today. Many, many thanks to Derrick and the team at Kit Aid.
Thanks for reading this and I wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Regards
Ian Stapleton (Founder)
info@footballgambia.org
http://www.footballgambia.org/index.html
NEWSLETTER No. 6 – December 2010
Freestyle football courtesy of Billy Wingrove!
International football freestyler Billy Wingrove will be travelling to The Gambia in January 2011. Billy, who works for Tottenham FC, has featured in commercials with some of the greats: Ronaldinho, Messi and Ronaldo and will support Football Gambia with their charity coaching session. Billy will be sharing and teaching his amazing football skills with over 50 youth Gambian coaches. Check him out on YouTube!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cRmNgVv-tA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPNNj4x0hBQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyDz9cvJFmQ&feature=related
Large Umbro container arrived in The Gambia
We are very pleased to report that in October, the large shipment of Umbro football kit and materials arrived at the port in Banjul. RSH Middle East Umbro had kindly donated a 20ft container brimming with a wide range of football items, which will be distributed to much need football academies over the next 6 months.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2Nq0TgnJCw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6y5VzgFX1c&feature=related
Liverpool FC donate kit to FG
Liverpool FC are supporting the work of Football Gambia. They kindly donated their black away kit to FG, which were presented to the under 15-17s football team, ‘Sittanunku Utd’ who are located in the Northbank of Gambia.
Buy Christmas gifts and donate to FG at the same time!
Why don’t to do you internet shopping with us? Go to: http://www.clubconnections.org.uk/footballgambia/
When you buy a product or service from one of the 250+ national and specialist retailers listed on our website, Football Gambia will receive a financial benefit to help us continue to fund and promote education through football and develop communities in the Gambia (West Africa). Shop at your leisure and support FG too!
Grimaldi discount on FG container
Grimaldi, the shipping container specialists, have given FG a 50% discount on their next container. This discount was co-ordinated by FG trustee Dave Revell and Grimaldi's Claudia Benussi. Many thanks to Dave and Claudia. Hopefully, we can work towards a free container for next year!
NEWSLETTER No. 5 – SEPTEMBER 2010
‘Football Gambia – Promoting Education through Football’
10-year old dreadlocks have GONE!
After 10 years, on 28 August, 97 dreadlocks were cut for Football Gambia. Ian Stapleton, Founder of Football Gambia sacrificed his dreadlocks for exchange for educational materials for children in The Gambia. This is what the money raised will provide. Ian’s total was £3,000 and so far just under £2,700 has been secured.
Two local papers: Herts and Enfield Advertiser both covered this event. It is not too late to donate: go to (http://www.justgiving.com/Ian-StapletonFG) to support the cause or click here to watch video footage of the cut.
Middlesex University teams up with Football Gambia
Students from Middlesex University travelled to The Gambia to share their expertise with Coaches in The Gambia. This course (Sports Leadership) comprised of sports management modules, first aid skills, and the rules of other less familiar sports such as touch rugby and hockey so they can teach others. Feedback received from the participants was very positive with many of them saying they learnt a coaching structure that they can use in their own clubs. Hopefully, Middlesex University will run the advanced course in early 2011. Watch this space...
Farming Academy off to a good start
FG’s main Football Club in The Gambia, KGH Sports Football Academy, are making good progress with their Faming Academy. The players have cleared the land and planted their crops and are now waiting to see the ‘fruits of their labour’. The purpose of the Farming Academy is to encourage communities to be more self sufficient and to benefit from their surroundings.
Fundraising at Luton Town FC
Dave Hoskins from Luton Town FC has managed to secure a ‘match day’ collection slot for FG at their home game on 28 September. This is fantastic as these collection slots are hard to come by. The money raised will go towards the cost of half a container due for The Gambia on 5 November containing football kit, football equipment, books, toys and stationary.
Special thanks to Mel Parker & Stella Sipple (Middlesex University), Yahya Manneh & Bakary Bojang (Football Gambia – in The Gambia), Dave Hoskins (Luton Town FC), Derrick Williams (Kit Aid), Alwyn Simpson (Erase Foundation), Stuart English (Brentford FC) and Dave Wray (St. Albans City Youth FC).
NEWSLETTER No. 4 – AUGUST 2010
‘Football Gambia – Promoting Education through Football’
10-year old dreadlocks to go!
Ian Stapleton, Founder of Football Gambia is cutting his dreadlocks for charity! Thank you to everyone who has already donated or made a pledge. A total of £2,290 has been achieved leaving £710 left to be raised to accomplish Ian’s total of £3,000. Money raised will be used to purchase educational books, notepads and pencils for nurseries across the north bank of The Gambia. Please donate generously and securely:
http://www.justgiving.com/Ian-StapletonFG
Ian’s 10-year old dreadlocks will be cut on Saturday 28 August at 15:00 in St.Albans, Hertford shire. The event will be filmed and posted on the website later that day:
http://www.footballgambia.org/haircut.html
Kit Aid continue to give their support
Courtesy of Derrick Williams, Founder of Kit Aid, FG received their largest supply of football kit that was sent to The Gambia on 27 July. Click here to view Inventory Listing for details
Umbro kit on its way to The Gambia
A big thank you to Elise Barrett and David Riley from Umbro & RSH (Middle East) along with my close friend Phil Rostom for their support.Together, they are planning for a large shipment of Umbro football items to be sent over to The Gambia.
Top Fundraisers
Ernst & Young employees have been raising money to participate in the Annual Charity Football Match in The Gambia in January 2011. The top 3 fundraisers are: Jonathan Loveridge, £915; Matt Thomas, £885 and Peter Tutton, £804. There is still time to raise more money, so a message to everyone fundraising for the Football match – keep going!
Gambian Fire Brigade to benefit
Thank you to Jurgens Brune from Worcester Bosch who was instrumental in co-ordinating of over 100 rain jackets and body warmers to be donated to FG. These items will be donated to the Fire Brigade Service in The Gambia.
NEWSLETTER No. 3 – JULY 2010
‘Football Gambia – Promoting Education through Football’
************ Breaking News************
Ian Stapleton, Founder of Football Gambia is cutting his dreadlocks for charity!
Hi All,
Yes, it’s true. I believe so much in Football Gambia, and what we are trying to achieve, that my 10-year old dreadlocks are being cut for charity! Cutting my dreadlocks is a big thing for me but what makes it worthwhile is that I hope to raise a lot of money that will go to support the aims of Football Gambia and make a huge difference to the lives of the children and their communities.
I’ll cut my dreadlocks on Saturday 28 August where it will be filmed and added to the website and FG’s facebook page. I hope you will be part of this momentus occasion and donate generously. Donations can be made via the secure website Just Giving: http://www.justgiving.com/Ian-StapletonFG
Reminder – UK Tax payers, please do not forget to tick the Gift Aid box as this will boost your donation by 28%
So what has Football Gambia (FG) been up to in June?
· I have decided to cut my 10 year old dreadlocks, as a fundraiser, in the hope of raising lots of money. This money will go to towards purchasing books, pens, pencils and notepads for nurseries and schools in the upper and lower Nuimi district, Northbank, the least developed part of the Gambia. This equates to supporting over 50 nurseries and schools.
· FG has received a lot of support in the Gambia and we are currently looking to secure the support of the President of the Gambia, His Excellency Sheikh Prof. Alhaji Dr. Yahya Jammeh. We hope the President will say a few words at the start of the charity football matches in January 2011 and will officially open this event.
· During my visit to Dubai last year, I was introduced by a friend to Elise from Umbro who was keen to support the work of FG. Elise has arranged for a package containing a large amout of football items to be sent over to the Gambia.
· We sent our largest shipment (16 boxes) of football kit and equipment to the Gambia courtesy of Derrick Williams MBE and Kit Aid.
· Donations from samosa sales over the last three months at Ernst & Young have totalled over £200.
· Luton Town FC are offering FG their ground at Kenilworth Road, to hold a fundraising event, next year.
· You can now follow FG via its Facebook group – Football Gambia and on Twitter: http://twitter.com/FootballGambia
We’ve achieved so much in a short space of time. This would not have been possible without the support of:
Ø Derrick Williams MBE founder of Kit Aid. Derrick and the Kit Aid team have been instrumental in supplying FG with a variety of football kit.
Ø Elise from Umbro – Thank you so much.
Ø KGH Sports Football Academy/ Football Gambia (Gambia) – Yahya Manneh for his hard work and commitment.
Ø Gambian Football Association for their support.
Ø Ernst & Young for advertising the ‘Charity Football Match’ on their intranet.
Ø Dave Wray and St.Albans City Youth FC.
Ø Friends, family and work colleagues.
All donations are welcome and can be given here: http://www.justgiving.com/footballgambia
Thank you for reading - see you soon.
Regards,
Ian Stapleton (Founder of Football Gambia)
+44 (0)20 8245 6665 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting +44 (0)20 8245 6665 end_of_the_skype_highlighting | +44 (0)7949 180445 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting +44 (0)7949 180445 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
info@footballgambia.orgwww.footballgambia.org
NEWSLETTER No. 2 – JUNE 2010
Football Gambia – Promoting Education through Football’
Hi All,
The World Cup is in Africa!
For Africa to host the World Cup is an amazing achievement and I am backing Ghana and the Ivory Coast to do well in this tournament.
Football Gambia (FG) has ‘stepped it up’ a notch, so I have a number of things to report to you. Life in the FG camp is upbeat and vibrant – unlike England’s World Cup team!!.
So what has FG been up to?
· FG invited a UEFA A coach Stuart English from Luton Town FC, to the Gambia, to conduct a series of coaching sessions. Stuart ran sessions with youth and national league coaches in Brikama – which has the only astroturf pitch in the country. All the coaches were given a certificate of attendance, a match ball, a coaching manual, session plans and a training kit. Feedback from the participants were extremely positive so next time, FG will invite 2 UEFA A coaches and a Goalkeeper coach to the Gambia – watch this space...
· Stuart English and FG are working with Vauxhall Motors to secure a mini bus to support FG activities in the Gambia e’g’ transporting football items to and from Schools and football matches.
· FG was invited to attend an opening of a nursery School in Sukutu by The Erase Foundation.
· FG have located an outlet for their Gambian office. The shop space is in Lamin, by the road side and very close to KGH Sports Football Academy. The office should be operational by the end of the year.
· FG visited three academies in the North Bank of the Gambia. The North Bank is less developed than the rest of the country which makes it naturally beautiful, but also forgotten. FG met the founders of Essau Man Utd, Sittanunku and Juffureh & Albreda. Bibs, cones and premiership footballs were presented to Sittanunku, which were received with joy and jubulation from the kids. Before I arrived, the players were using large stones as cones to dribble the ball around!. So, you can imagine their excitement.when being handed these quality materials. Village elders have released land to the club to build a pitch so FG will be sponsoring four teams at Sittanunku.
· FG has a new website: www.footballgambia.org – check it out!
· The details for the charity match in the Gambia (end of Jan 2011) has been finalised and we have the full backing of the Gambian Football Association President. The initial plan was to take a team of ‘regular’ people from the UK to play one game against youth coaches at the National Stadium in the Gambia. This event has proved so popular that I may have to bring two teams and play three matches. The players will be a mixture of Ernst & Young employees, charity members, coaches, friends and family. This fundraiser is huge and will pull in enough money to support 20 youth football academies including shipping costs for 2 years!
· FG have featured in a number of Gambian newspapers promoting the work of FG. One paper, Today, the equivilent of the Sun in the UK ran an article detailing the coaching session, with youth and national league coaches, organised by FG.
· FG was interviewed on Gambia’s most popular sports radio station – West Coast Radio. Ian Stapleton was joined by Stuart English where they discussed Stuart’s training sessions, the state of Gambian football and FG’s future plans for grassroots development in the country.
· FG have started to collect toys and kids clothes for distribution to schools in the Gambia.
Everything that we have achieved would not have been possible without the support of:
Ø Derrick Williams MBE founder of Kit Aid. Derrick and the Kit Aid team have been instrumental in supplying FG with all types of football kit. Derrick recently went to Kenya with Bobby Robson’s son, Mark, to do some charity work out there too. – Well done!
Ø KGH Sports Football Academy/ Football Gambia (Gambia) – Yahya Manneh for his hard work and commitment. Thanks bro.
Ø Stuart English UEFA A qualified football coach from Luton Town FC. Stuart embraced the Gambian culture and was loved by everyone on the trip.
Ø Gambian Football Association for their support and hospitality
Ø Ernst & Young for advertising the ‘Charity Football Match’ on their intranet
Ø Dave Wray and St.Albans City Youth FC
Ø Friends, family and work colleagues
All donations are welcome and can be given here: http://www.justgiving.com/footballgambia
Thank you for reading - see you soon!
Regards,
Ian Stapleton (Founder)
Football Gambia
+44 (0)20 8245 6665 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting +44 (0)20 8245 6665 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
+44 (0)7949 180445 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting +44 (0)7949 180445 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
info@footballgambia.orgwww.footballgambia.org
NEWSLETTER No. 1 – MARCH 2010
Football Gambia – Promoting Education through Football’
Hi All,
I hope you are all well.
Football Gambia trustees are Ian Stapleton (Founder), Dave Revell (Secretary) and Kenny Boyle (Treasurer)
The values behind Football Gambia have always remained the same – ‘to develop youth football in the Gambia’, but over the last 4 months we have refocused our energy to ‘promoting education through football’. We are currently working on a series on systems to boost education, create new business, implement self sufficiency and most importantly to empower the people of the Gambia. This will of course costs money so please dig deep and watch this space!!
http://www.justgiving.com/footballgambia - Football Gambia (FG) is a non-profit charity.
Here is a summary of what FG has been up to:
· Ernst & Young Cycle Challenge – raised nearly £2000. This money has paid for 3 shipments which consisted of 300 football shirts and shorts, 150 balls (100 of these being premiership match balls), 300 pairs of boots, 70 shin pads and 30 training tops. Due to the rugged playing surfaces in the Gambia FG have purchased quality footballs to cope with these conditions.
· FG have also arranged for a UEFA A football coach to travel to Gambia in April 2010 and to run 4 intense coaching sessions with youth and national league coaches across the Gambia. Each youth coach will be given a starter pack, training manuals, training and match balls, cones, kit bag, bibs, referees wallet (red & yellow cards), whistle, stopwatch, pad and pencil, boots and a first aid kit.
Dave and I were in the Gambia January 2010. I have attached a PDF doc to this email detailing the schedule for our 9 days stay – if you thought this was a holiday.................think again!!!!!
Following this link to see photos of our last visit to the Gambia
NB Dave, Kenny and I feel so passionate about our charity that we pay for our travel with our own money. Which means all donations go directly to buying equipment, shipment costs, building materials etc
· Liverpool FC have added an article about FG to one of their Matchday Programmes.
· FG are to build a football academy in Gambia with quality changing facilities, library, computer room and apartments. Eventually you will be able to book these apartments directly from the UK which ensures all money stays within the community and helps towards a self succient environment. We are also working with other charities, schools and nurseries in the Gambia to promote education through football.
You may be wondering, ‘Why doesn’t FG speak to Nike or Puma and get them to give free football equipment?’ The truth is we have contacted most of the major sporting brands about sponsorship and donations, but to no avail. If you know of anyone that can help please email info@footballgambia.org
Big Thanks
· KGH Sports Football Academy – I now know how hard you guys work to keep things running smoothly in the Gambia
· Derrick Williams MBE founder of Kit Aid. Derrick and the Kit Aid team have been instrumental in supplying FG with all types of football kit – thanks Derrick keep it coming!
· Everyone that has participated in the fundraisers – EY Challenge, Climbing Mt Snowdon, Enfield to St Albans bike ride, Palms Beach Cafe (St.Albans)
· Patrick Richards and Corey Houston for FG design work
http://www.hertsad.co.uk/news/st_albans_coaches_football_mission_to_gambia_school_1_834387
http://www.hertsad.co.uk/news/st_albans_football_coach_chops_off_dreadlocks_for_charity_1_647658
NewsFlash May 2011
Football Gambia on Gambian TV!
Dave Revell, Treasurer, FG and Yahya Manneh, Gambian Director, FG appeared on Gambian TV Channel ‘GRTS’ in February. Yahya was instrumental in making this happen and his efforts were co-ordinated with the Gambian Football Association (GFA) and The Ministry of Youth & Sport. ‘GRTS’ broadcasted the presentation, by Yahya and the GFA, of football materials e.g. footballs and tactic boards to football academies in the 1st & 2nd division (the highest tier of Gambian football). Special thanks to David and Elise from Umbro, (RSHME), Dubai and Derrick Williams from Kit Aid UK. To watch the video simply follow this link: http://www.footballgambia.org/videos.html
FG sponsors an inspirational Gambian coach
Twenty four year old Buba Touray is no ordinary coach. He attended FG's level 1 coaching course in January run by Rob 'Scouse' Munro who recognised Buba’s exceptional coaching skills. After falling down a well when he was 12 months old and the victim of a terrible hospital error, his hands were then amputated by mistake! Despite this, he performed well at school and passed his exams with flying colours.
Buba known as Pires (Arsenal Legend) was a great player but to avoid injury he decided to focus on football coaching. He set up his own football academy in his home town of Mandinaring, which has 3 teams: under 7s, 9s and 13s. FG has donated a sizeable amount of kit to Buba but he still needs support to manage his club efficiently. Buba coaches 6 times a week and has a responsibility to provide for his family. If you feel you can help Buba please email: info@footballgambia.org
School teachers supported by FG
In April, Ian Stapleton, Founder, FG ran a 2-day football course to school teachers in Lamin, The Gambia. The course was specifically designed for kids aged between 5-8 using mini footballs and cones markers. Fifteen teachers attended the course and on completion they all received coaching manuals, 17 mini footballs and 20 cones. Mr Mike from Kings Kid Primary School attended the course and then went on to facilitate a coaching session with 20 kids and demonstrated what he had learnt. View photos here: http://www.footballgambia.org/photos.html
Project Sittanunku
FG’s next project has been agreed; we aim to get two water bore holes professionally dug in Sittanunku, the north bank of The Gambia. Football club Sittanunku Utd has been allocated land by the village elders, which needs to be fenced, to be used as a football pitch and top cultivate a vegetable garden. One borehole will be positioned on the football pitch and the other in the women's garden. Both will be equipped with manual pumps and hoses and will enable the village to produce vegetables all year round! Once this project has been implemented the people of Sittanunku will be able to maintain a sustainable self-sufficient environment. If you want to get involved please email: info@footballgambia.org. View pictures of Sittanuku here: http://www.footballgambia.org/sittanunku.html
NEWSFLASH - MARCH 2011
1st Gambian fundraiser hailed as a success!
Back in the UK and reminiscing about the trip, James Hennser comments: “It was an amazing and unforgettable experience.” TJ said: “Thank you for that experience of home…it's opened my eyes about so much and will only make me a better person.”
These quotes are testament to how successful the trip was. Forty two supporters of FG travelled to Gambia to see from themselves the good work of FG, to help the people of the local communities and to play a few games of football in their spare time. The communities of Lamin, Brikama, Sittanunku, Gunjur and Serekunda cheered as the football games took place.
A considerable amount of commitment, by 20 members of the Group, went into fundraising to support the work of FG. This money has enable FG to send 3 shipments of much needed items to The Gambia.
Gerry Mansey said: “A truly humbling and authentic experience; well organised with a great bunch of people. I loved every minute of it and the Gambian guys, Alex, Ninja and Raggy were great hosts. Giving away the football kit and opening the office was a perfect finale.”
FG founder Ian Stapleton sums up the trip: “The detail is in the preparation and I wanted everyone to enjoy their experience. It was when I saw the guys dancing in the burning heat in Sittanunku, North Gambia with all the village members was when I knew that they were having a good time!”
Experience the trip for yourself through pictures and videos.
See FG’s website: http://www.footballgambia.org/gambia-trip-2011.html
http://www.footballgambia.org/videos.html
FG gets mentioned on Sky Sports courtesy of Afrikit
Ian Stapleton was in the Gambia when the report was aired. Football Gambia was referred to on Sky Sports and this was all down to Jack Hands from Afrikit, who was introduced to FG by Derrick Williams from Kit Aid. See the report here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNmckvoIj8U
Billy Wingrove embraces The Gambia
International football freestyler Billy Wingrove who also works for Tottenham FC, dazzled local kids and coaches in Gunjur, Sittanunku and Brikama with his intricate ball work. Billy comments: “I have never been on a trip like this before. It was great to dance with the locals and sample the food. I am amazed at how quick and skillful these young players are.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNmckvoIj8U
FG coach ‘Scouse’ Munro shares is expertise
A UEFA A Licence coach ‘Scouse’ Munro, successfully ran 3 coaching courses in The Gambia as part of the trip to grassroots and Division 1 and 2 coaches. Feedback from the participants was very positive. The only negative point was that they wanted the course to last longer! Well done Scouse and we hope to see you out there again soon.
The success of the trip would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of: Ian Stapleton (Founder); Phil Rostom (Cameraman); Christian Tailor (Art Teacher); ‘Scouse’, (UEFA A Football Coach); Clive Offer (Goalkeeper Coach); Billy Wingrove (Freestyle Footballer); Bakary ‘Raggy Road’ Bojang and Yahya Manneh (FG in The Gambia)
NEWSFLASH - JANUARY 2011
Supporters on their way to The Gambia
In January, a total of 44 people from the UK will visit The Gambia to participate in a mixed programme consisting of community involvement activities and football coaching. The team includes Ernst & Young employees, Middlesex University staff and students and fully qualified UK-based Football Coaches. Let’s not forget international free styling footballer Billy Wingrove – we are very happy to have him on board!
http://www.footballgambia.org/photos.html
Football Coaching
We will run several courses including football coaching courses, for FREE, to ‘Grassroots Gambian Coaches’. This includes:
· FG Level 1 Football Coaching (to 50-70 coaches)
· FG Level 2 Football Coaching (to Gambian Division 1 & 2 coaches)
· FG Level 1 Goalkeeper Coaching (to 50-70 coaches)
· FG Level 1 Freestyle Coaching (to 50-100 coaches) led by Billy Wingrove – Billy is the holder of 3 Guinness world records, he’s had over 40 Million hits on YouTube and is the only Football Freestyler to have a professional contract with a Premiership Club – Tottenham Hotspur - video footage below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cRmNgVv-tA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPNNj4x0hBQ
· Middlesex University will run a First Aid, Strapping and Rehabilitation course (to 50-70 coaches) – details below:
http://www.footballgambia.org/middlesex-university.html
· Medical expert, Abdoulie Cham, will perform a series of presentations on tuberculosis (TB) to the coaches.
If you are a Gambian coach and would like to participate in these courses, then please email Yahya Manneh, including details on your Football Club and/or Academy: info@footballgambiabjl.org. More details can be found on: http://www.footballgambia.org/events.html
Community Work
· The Team travelling to The Gambia will support local communities by painting a large community building in Marikissa and the Paper & Plastic recycling building in Fagi Kunda.
· FG has enlisted the support of a UK-based professional Hairstylist to run a ‘Barbers Workshop’ for the male Gambian youths. The ultimate goal is to set up a Barbershop where Gambian Hairstylists can work.
· FG will run an ‘Art Academy’ to nurseries across The Gambia showing teachers how they can apply various art techniques to run fun lessons for the children. This is also a great way for the children to learn and express themselves.
· There are other mini coaching projects going on as well with St. Albans City Youth FC, Middlesex University and Sutton Utd working with local schools and football academies in Sifoe & Gunjur.
Football Matches
While in The Gambia, the Team will play 5 football matches in the evenings in the towns of Brikama, Sittanunku, Gunjur, Lamin and Serekunda. The excitement is already building around these games, which will attract large crowds.
Lastly, I want to acknowledge the support of Derrick Williams and the team at Kit Aid. Derrick was an instrumental figure when I initially set up Football Gambia back in June 2009. He believed in our cause and supplied FG with football kits when others wouldn’t; he continues to support us today. Many, many thanks to Derrick and the team at Kit Aid.
Thanks for reading this and I wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Regards
Ian Stapleton (Founder)
info@footballgambia.org
http://www.footballgambia.org/index.html
NEWSLETTER No. 6 – December 2010
Freestyle football courtesy of Billy Wingrove!
International football freestyler Billy Wingrove will be travelling to The Gambia in January 2011. Billy, who works for Tottenham FC, has featured in commercials with some of the greats: Ronaldinho, Messi and Ronaldo and will support Football Gambia with their charity coaching session. Billy will be sharing and teaching his amazing football skills with over 50 youth Gambian coaches. Check him out on YouTube!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cRmNgVv-tA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPNNj4x0hBQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyDz9cvJFmQ&feature=related
Large Umbro container arrived in The Gambia
We are very pleased to report that in October, the large shipment of Umbro football kit and materials arrived at the port in Banjul. RSH Middle East Umbro had kindly donated a 20ft container brimming with a wide range of football items, which will be distributed to much need football academies over the next 6 months.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2Nq0TgnJCw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6y5VzgFX1c&feature=related
Liverpool FC donate kit to FG
Liverpool FC are supporting the work of Football Gambia. They kindly donated their black away kit to FG, which were presented to the under 15-17s football team, ‘Sittanunku Utd’ who are located in the Northbank of Gambia.
Buy Christmas gifts and donate to FG at the same time!
Why don’t to do you internet shopping with us? Go to: http://www.clubconnections.org.uk/footballgambia/
When you buy a product or service from one of the 250+ national and specialist retailers listed on our website, Football Gambia will receive a financial benefit to help us continue to fund and promote education through football and develop communities in the Gambia (West Africa). Shop at your leisure and support FG too!
Grimaldi discount on FG container
Grimaldi, the shipping container specialists, have given FG a 50% discount on their next container. This discount was co-ordinated by FG trustee Dave Revell and Grimaldi's Claudia Benussi. Many thanks to Dave and Claudia. Hopefully, we can work towards a free container for next year!
NEWSLETTER No. 5 – SEPTEMBER 2010
‘Football Gambia – Promoting Education through Football’
10-year old dreadlocks have GONE!
After 10 years, on 28 August, 97 dreadlocks were cut for Football Gambia. Ian Stapleton, Founder of Football Gambia sacrificed his dreadlocks for exchange for educational materials for children in The Gambia. This is what the money raised will provide. Ian’s total was £3,000 and so far just under £2,700 has been secured.
Two local papers: Herts and Enfield Advertiser both covered this event. It is not too late to donate: go to (http://www.justgiving.com/Ian-StapletonFG) to support the cause or click here to watch video footage of the cut.
Middlesex University teams up with Football Gambia
Students from Middlesex University travelled to The Gambia to share their expertise with Coaches in The Gambia. This course (Sports Leadership) comprised of sports management modules, first aid skills, and the rules of other less familiar sports such as touch rugby and hockey so they can teach others. Feedback received from the participants was very positive with many of them saying they learnt a coaching structure that they can use in their own clubs. Hopefully, Middlesex University will run the advanced course in early 2011. Watch this space...
Farming Academy off to a good start
FG’s main Football Club in The Gambia, KGH Sports Football Academy, are making good progress with their Faming Academy. The players have cleared the land and planted their crops and are now waiting to see the ‘fruits of their labour’. The purpose of the Farming Academy is to encourage communities to be more self sufficient and to benefit from their surroundings.
Fundraising at Luton Town FC
Dave Hoskins from Luton Town FC has managed to secure a ‘match day’ collection slot for FG at their home game on 28 September. This is fantastic as these collection slots are hard to come by. The money raised will go towards the cost of half a container due for The Gambia on 5 November containing football kit, football equipment, books, toys and stationary.
Special thanks to Mel Parker & Stella Sipple (Middlesex University), Yahya Manneh & Bakary Bojang (Football Gambia – in The Gambia), Dave Hoskins (Luton Town FC), Derrick Williams (Kit Aid), Alwyn Simpson (Erase Foundation), Stuart English (Brentford FC) and Dave Wray (St. Albans City Youth FC).
NEWSLETTER No. 4 – AUGUST 2010
‘Football Gambia – Promoting Education through Football’
10-year old dreadlocks to go!
Ian Stapleton, Founder of Football Gambia is cutting his dreadlocks for charity! Thank you to everyone who has already donated or made a pledge. A total of £2,290 has been achieved leaving £710 left to be raised to accomplish Ian’s total of £3,000. Money raised will be used to purchase educational books, notepads and pencils for nurseries across the north bank of The Gambia. Please donate generously and securely:
http://www.justgiving.com/Ian-StapletonFG
Ian’s 10-year old dreadlocks will be cut on Saturday 28 August at 15:00 in St.Albans, Hertford shire. The event will be filmed and posted on the website later that day:
http://www.footballgambia.org/haircut.html
Kit Aid continue to give their support
Courtesy of Derrick Williams, Founder of Kit Aid, FG received their largest supply of football kit that was sent to The Gambia on 27 July. Click here to view Inventory Listing for details
Umbro kit on its way to The Gambia
A big thank you to Elise Barrett and David Riley from Umbro & RSH (Middle East) along with my close friend Phil Rostom for their support.Together, they are planning for a large shipment of Umbro football items to be sent over to The Gambia.
Top Fundraisers
Ernst & Young employees have been raising money to participate in the Annual Charity Football Match in The Gambia in January 2011. The top 3 fundraisers are: Jonathan Loveridge, £915; Matt Thomas, £885 and Peter Tutton, £804. There is still time to raise more money, so a message to everyone fundraising for the Football match – keep going!
Gambian Fire Brigade to benefit
Thank you to Jurgens Brune from Worcester Bosch who was instrumental in co-ordinating of over 100 rain jackets and body warmers to be donated to FG. These items will be donated to the Fire Brigade Service in The Gambia.
NEWSLETTER No. 3 – JULY 2010
‘Football Gambia – Promoting Education through Football’
************ Breaking News************
Ian Stapleton, Founder of Football Gambia is cutting his dreadlocks for charity!
Hi All,
Yes, it’s true. I believe so much in Football Gambia, and what we are trying to achieve, that my 10-year old dreadlocks are being cut for charity! Cutting my dreadlocks is a big thing for me but what makes it worthwhile is that I hope to raise a lot of money that will go to support the aims of Football Gambia and make a huge difference to the lives of the children and their communities.
I’ll cut my dreadlocks on Saturday 28 August where it will be filmed and added to the website and FG’s facebook page. I hope you will be part of this momentus occasion and donate generously. Donations can be made via the secure website Just Giving: http://www.justgiving.com/Ian-StapletonFG
Reminder – UK Tax payers, please do not forget to tick the Gift Aid box as this will boost your donation by 28%
So what has Football Gambia (FG) been up to in June?
· I have decided to cut my 10 year old dreadlocks, as a fundraiser, in the hope of raising lots of money. This money will go to towards purchasing books, pens, pencils and notepads for nurseries and schools in the upper and lower Nuimi district, Northbank, the least developed part of the Gambia. This equates to supporting over 50 nurseries and schools.
· FG has received a lot of support in the Gambia and we are currently looking to secure the support of the President of the Gambia, His Excellency Sheikh Prof. Alhaji Dr. Yahya Jammeh. We hope the President will say a few words at the start of the charity football matches in January 2011 and will officially open this event.
· During my visit to Dubai last year, I was introduced by a friend to Elise from Umbro who was keen to support the work of FG. Elise has arranged for a package containing a large amout of football items to be sent over to the Gambia.
· We sent our largest shipment (16 boxes) of football kit and equipment to the Gambia courtesy of Derrick Williams MBE and Kit Aid.
· Donations from samosa sales over the last three months at Ernst & Young have totalled over £200.
· Luton Town FC are offering FG their ground at Kenilworth Road, to hold a fundraising event, next year.
· You can now follow FG via its Facebook group – Football Gambia and on Twitter: http://twitter.com/FootballGambia
We’ve achieved so much in a short space of time. This would not have been possible without the support of:
Ø Derrick Williams MBE founder of Kit Aid. Derrick and the Kit Aid team have been instrumental in supplying FG with a variety of football kit.
Ø Elise from Umbro – Thank you so much.
Ø KGH Sports Football Academy/ Football Gambia (Gambia) – Yahya Manneh for his hard work and commitment.
Ø Gambian Football Association for their support.
Ø Ernst & Young for advertising the ‘Charity Football Match’ on their intranet.
Ø Dave Wray and St.Albans City Youth FC.
Ø Friends, family and work colleagues.
All donations are welcome and can be given here: http://www.justgiving.com/footballgambia
Thank you for reading - see you soon.
Regards,
Ian Stapleton (Founder of Football Gambia)
+44 (0)20 8245 6665 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting +44 (0)20 8245 6665 end_of_the_skype_highlighting | +44 (0)7949 180445 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting +44 (0)7949 180445 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
info@footballgambia.orgwww.footballgambia.org
NEWSLETTER No. 2 – JUNE 2010
Football Gambia – Promoting Education through Football’
Hi All,
The World Cup is in Africa!
For Africa to host the World Cup is an amazing achievement and I am backing Ghana and the Ivory Coast to do well in this tournament.
Football Gambia (FG) has ‘stepped it up’ a notch, so I have a number of things to report to you. Life in the FG camp is upbeat and vibrant – unlike England’s World Cup team!!.
So what has FG been up to?
· FG invited a UEFA A coach Stuart English from Luton Town FC, to the Gambia, to conduct a series of coaching sessions. Stuart ran sessions with youth and national league coaches in Brikama – which has the only astroturf pitch in the country. All the coaches were given a certificate of attendance, a match ball, a coaching manual, session plans and a training kit. Feedback from the participants were extremely positive so next time, FG will invite 2 UEFA A coaches and a Goalkeeper coach to the Gambia – watch this space...
· Stuart English and FG are working with Vauxhall Motors to secure a mini bus to support FG activities in the Gambia e’g’ transporting football items to and from Schools and football matches.
· FG was invited to attend an opening of a nursery School in Sukutu by The Erase Foundation.
· FG have located an outlet for their Gambian office. The shop space is in Lamin, by the road side and very close to KGH Sports Football Academy. The office should be operational by the end of the year.
· FG visited three academies in the North Bank of the Gambia. The North Bank is less developed than the rest of the country which makes it naturally beautiful, but also forgotten. FG met the founders of Essau Man Utd, Sittanunku and Juffureh & Albreda. Bibs, cones and premiership footballs were presented to Sittanunku, which were received with joy and jubulation from the kids. Before I arrived, the players were using large stones as cones to dribble the ball around!. So, you can imagine their excitement.when being handed these quality materials. Village elders have released land to the club to build a pitch so FG will be sponsoring four teams at Sittanunku.
· FG has a new website: www.footballgambia.org – check it out!
· The details for the charity match in the Gambia (end of Jan 2011) has been finalised and we have the full backing of the Gambian Football Association President. The initial plan was to take a team of ‘regular’ people from the UK to play one game against youth coaches at the National Stadium in the Gambia. This event has proved so popular that I may have to bring two teams and play three matches. The players will be a mixture of Ernst & Young employees, charity members, coaches, friends and family. This fundraiser is huge and will pull in enough money to support 20 youth football academies including shipping costs for 2 years!
· FG have featured in a number of Gambian newspapers promoting the work of FG. One paper, Today, the equivilent of the Sun in the UK ran an article detailing the coaching session, with youth and national league coaches, organised by FG.
· FG was interviewed on Gambia’s most popular sports radio station – West Coast Radio. Ian Stapleton was joined by Stuart English where they discussed Stuart’s training sessions, the state of Gambian football and FG’s future plans for grassroots development in the country.
· FG have started to collect toys and kids clothes for distribution to schools in the Gambia.
Everything that we have achieved would not have been possible without the support of:
Ø Derrick Williams MBE founder of Kit Aid. Derrick and the Kit Aid team have been instrumental in supplying FG with all types of football kit. Derrick recently went to Kenya with Bobby Robson’s son, Mark, to do some charity work out there too. – Well done!
Ø KGH Sports Football Academy/ Football Gambia (Gambia) – Yahya Manneh for his hard work and commitment. Thanks bro.
Ø Stuart English UEFA A qualified football coach from Luton Town FC. Stuart embraced the Gambian culture and was loved by everyone on the trip.
Ø Gambian Football Association for their support and hospitality
Ø Ernst & Young for advertising the ‘Charity Football Match’ on their intranet
Ø Dave Wray and St.Albans City Youth FC
Ø Friends, family and work colleagues
All donations are welcome and can be given here: http://www.justgiving.com/footballgambia
Thank you for reading - see you soon!
Regards,
Ian Stapleton (Founder)
Football Gambia
+44 (0)20 8245 6665 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting +44 (0)20 8245 6665 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
+44 (0)7949 180445 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting +44 (0)7949 180445 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
info@footballgambia.orgwww.footballgambia.org
NEWSLETTER No. 1 – MARCH 2010
Football Gambia – Promoting Education through Football’
Hi All,
I hope you are all well.
Football Gambia trustees are Ian Stapleton (Founder), Dave Revell (Secretary) and Kenny Boyle (Treasurer)
The values behind Football Gambia have always remained the same – ‘to develop youth football in the Gambia’, but over the last 4 months we have refocused our energy to ‘promoting education through football’. We are currently working on a series on systems to boost education, create new business, implement self sufficiency and most importantly to empower the people of the Gambia. This will of course costs money so please dig deep and watch this space!!
http://www.justgiving.com/footballgambia - Football Gambia (FG) is a non-profit charity.
Here is a summary of what FG has been up to:
· Ernst & Young Cycle Challenge – raised nearly £2000. This money has paid for 3 shipments which consisted of 300 football shirts and shorts, 150 balls (100 of these being premiership match balls), 300 pairs of boots, 70 shin pads and 30 training tops. Due to the rugged playing surfaces in the Gambia FG have purchased quality footballs to cope with these conditions.
· FG have also arranged for a UEFA A football coach to travel to Gambia in April 2010 and to run 4 intense coaching sessions with youth and national league coaches across the Gambia. Each youth coach will be given a starter pack, training manuals, training and match balls, cones, kit bag, bibs, referees wallet (red & yellow cards), whistle, stopwatch, pad and pencil, boots and a first aid kit.
Dave and I were in the Gambia January 2010. I have attached a PDF doc to this email detailing the schedule for our 9 days stay – if you thought this was a holiday.................think again!!!!!
Following this link to see photos of our last visit to the Gambia
NB Dave, Kenny and I feel so passionate about our charity that we pay for our travel with our own money. Which means all donations go directly to buying equipment, shipment costs, building materials etc
· Liverpool FC have added an article about FG to one of their Matchday Programmes.
· FG are to build a football academy in Gambia with quality changing facilities, library, computer room and apartments. Eventually you will be able to book these apartments directly from the UK which ensures all money stays within the community and helps towards a self succient environment. We are also working with other charities, schools and nurseries in the Gambia to promote education through football.
You may be wondering, ‘Why doesn’t FG speak to Nike or Puma and get them to give free football equipment?’ The truth is we have contacted most of the major sporting brands about sponsorship and donations, but to no avail. If you know of anyone that can help please email info@footballgambia.org
Big Thanks
· KGH Sports Football Academy – I now know how hard you guys work to keep things running smoothly in the Gambia
· Derrick Williams MBE founder of Kit Aid. Derrick and the Kit Aid team have been instrumental in supplying FG with all types of football kit – thanks Derrick keep it coming!
· Everyone that has participated in the fundraisers – EY Challenge, Climbing Mt Snowdon, Enfield to St Albans bike ride, Palms Beach Cafe (St.Albans)
· Patrick Richards and Corey Houston for FG design work
