The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) has provided D700,000 to the Gambia Schools Football Association (GSFA) as support for the upcoming National School Football Qualifiers, according to reports reaching this medium.

The funding is expected to aid preparations and logistics for the nationwide competition, which brings together school teams from across the country.

However, despite the intervention, concerns remain over a significant funding gap.

Sources close to the executive of the schools sports body indicate that the amount falls well short of the over three million dalasis budget required to successfully stage the football tournament.

The shortfall raises questions about the scale and quality of the qualifiers, with insiders suggesting that key operational areas could be affected if additional funding is not secured.

The National School Football Qualifiers are a crucial platform for talent identification and development, making adequate funding essential to ensure broad participation and smooth organisation.

By Ebrima KB Sonko