Gambian football has taken a big step towards development as the Gambian Football Federation (GFF) have announced a new sponsorship deal with First Eco Partners. The three year deal will see First Eco Partners sponsor the country’s domestic football league as Gambia seeks to step up football and talent development in the country. The Gambian Football Federation (GFF) have stated that the development drive will seek to promote talent nurturing not just in the big cities but also in rural areas.
According to reports, the deal with First Eco Partners is worth around $23,000. The new of the sponsorship agreement is pleasing for Gambian football enthusiasts as it is the first commercial sponsorship deal that the Gambian Football Federation (GFF) have signed since 1990.
First Eco Partners is an energy company which states it mission as being focused on bringing ‘cleaner and a more efficient way to create and recreate energy.’ Launched in 2014, the company has its offices in Banjul, Gambia.
Gambian Football Federation Deputy general-secretary, Abdou Salam Jammeh, expressed his delight with the sponsorship deal stating that the federation was pleased with the terms agreed. He also emphasized that the partnership with First Eco Partners will accelerate th growth of Gambian football. Jammeh also went on to reveal some plans of the Gambian Football Federation including strategic plans to make football better in the country across all divisions including regional and female leagues as well as grassroots football in the country.
Speaking on behalf of First Eco Partners, Ted Mctwan, a representative of the company said the organization was delighted to come on board with Gambian Football Federation as it plans to support the growth of football in Gambia with the big target being powering Gambian football in a bid to ensure qualification for the next FIFA World Cup scheduled to be held in Russia.
The goal to help Gambia qualify for the World Cup is a tall order as the Gambian national football team have never qualified for the FIFA World Cup and the CAF African Cup of Nations. The national team’s most famous achievement has been finishing as runners-up three times in Amílcar Cabral Cup-an international association football tournament for Western African nations.