The sessions are currently underway at the National Technical Training Center in Old Yundum.
The inaugural training session is being attended by 26 referees, including four female participants.
The course is set to run from 27th to 31st August 2024.
The training is aimed at enhancing the skills of referees in Beach Soccer.
Declaring the session opened, the GFF President Lamin Kaba Bajo expressed gratitude to FIFA for their support in the organisation of the first ever Beach Soccer Referees course in the country.
Bajo emphasised the significance of the program in the Federation's commitment to developing all aspects of football to meet international standards.
"We are redirecting our focus towards Beach Soccer because we recognise the potential and passion among our youth for this sport," Mr. Bajo added, while commending the participants for their dedication and enthusiasm in Beach Soccer refereeing, noting that their skills would be significantly enhanced through the FIFA program.
The President announced plans for the Gambia to prepare a Beach Soccer National Team that would register for the upcoming WAFU-A tournament.
Bajo encouraged the participants to remain determined and focused, urging them to make the most of the knowledge gained during the course.
Bajo expressed hope that they would represent The Gambia in regional and international refereeing.
He highlighted plans to establish playable infrastructures for Beach Soccer along the coastal areas.
Maudo Jallow, a member of the GFF Referees Committee, underscored the importance of the training, describing it as a valuable opportunity to showcase local talents on a global stage.
He thanked GFF President Bajo for initiating this historic program.
Baboucarr Jobe, Director of Competitions at the GFF, provided a brief history of Beach Soccer and expressed gratitude to both FIFA and the GFF for their efforts in making the program a success.
He confirmed plans to incorporate Beach Soccer domestic league into the GFF Competitions calendar.
Michelle Conti, the Course Director and FIFA Technical Instructor, expressed delight for being part of this historic moment for The Gambia.
"I am honoured to be here for the first FIFA course for Beach Soccer in your country," Jobe said.
Conti encouraged participants to be interactive and be ready to work hard during this period while looking forward to their future assignments at the continent and world stage.
Present at the opening ceremony were Modou Lamin Jobe, local instructor, Mafugi Jatta, Secretary General of Gambia Beach Soccer Committee, Seedy Manneh, GFF Referees Manager amongst others.
The program will feature both theoretical and practical sessions to be held at the National Technical Training Centre in Old Yundum and Palma Rima Beach in Kololi.
Source: GFF
