25 June 2008
Luis Figo, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho have all learned their unique football techniques from it. The game is called Futsal, and it has recently made an entry into Africa, promising good results for the Gambian football teams.
Six British instructors are indeed currently leading a two-day training course for football coaches in the Gambia at the Independence Stadium in Bakau.
The course is exclusively centred on Futsal, a 12-player game involving a smaller and heavier version of 11 a-side ball, as well as hockey sized goals.
The sport is supported by FIFA and UEFA who organise World and European Championships for clubs and National Teams, and is yet to become part of the Gambia's football association.
Instructor Paul Whatmough told the Observer: "We are training coaches with the basic rules and tactics of the game and we expect them to train other Gambians.
"We've developed a five-year strategic plan to ensure that Gambian coaches are fully trained."
