CAF African Schools Football Championship football festival sparks community excitement ahead of kick off

The CAF African Schools Football Championship WAFU-A qualifiers in The Gambia took on a vibrant new dimension on Wednesday evening at the GFF Technical Training Centre as the competition’s Football Festival brought colour and excitement to the week-long football spectacle.

Held on the outskirts of the capital, Banjul, the festival provided a lively blend of music, dance and mini matches that drew students, supporters and local families into an atmosphere of joy.

The youngsters were taken through a series of engaging drills by young coaches participating in the community coaching clinic, giving the players a chance to showcase their abilities beyond the main matches.

The drills included reflexes and shooting exercises, scoring routines, technical coordination sessions and seven-a-side games - all designed to sharpen the children’s skills while keeping the event fun and interactive.

The festival not only energised participants but also highlighted the power of football to bring people together beyond the pitch, reinforcing the CAF African Schools Football Championship’s vision of holistic youth development across the continent.

The tournament kicks off on Thursday at the Gambinos Stars Africa Complex and the GFF Technical Training Centre.