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Kit Aid boosts BJ’s Academy

Jan 12, 2015, 10:36 AM | Article By: Cherno Omar Bobb

John Maxell, a British national, on Sunday 11th January 2015 supported BJ’s Academy with sets of jerseys, socks, football boots and footballs at a presentation ceremony held at the team’s training grounds at Latrikunda Sabiji Lower Basic School.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Maxell said it was the fourth time he and his wife through Kit Aid have been assisting the team, which competes in the Serrekunda East Sports Development Organisation Nawetan competition.

He added that some of jerseys presented to the team were donated to them by Lester City, Watford, and other local clubs in England.

One of the things that motivated them to support the team is because they see the need for equipment by Gambian football clubs.

He expressed his readiness to support more teams in The Gambia, ‘because they do need the kits but cannot get them as they are expensive.

He also called on others who can do so to attach themselves to particular villages or clubs for the development of grassroots football in The Gambia.

Baboucarr Jallow, founder of BJ’s Academy, described the gesture as a great boost for his team, looking at the situation in The Gambia where having kits is a problem for teams.

Jallow, whose team reached the Serrekunda East knockout quarter-finals and league semi-finals, added that it is always good for teams to be well-dressed during this competition, noting that all these years they have been trying to come up with very good jerseys for the team, during competitions.

Jallow, whose academy trains all-year round, concluded by thanking Maxwell.

Omar Manjang, a parent who was at the grounds to watch his son who is a player at the academy, said it is benefiting a lot kids in the area, and thanked Maxwell.

He also appealed to others to emulate the donor in order to develop sports in the country.

Manjang urged parents to be monitoring the activities and progress of their children; adding that it motivates the kids to see that their parents appreciate what they do.