A Gambian delegation attended a regional safeguarding workshop in Bamako, Mali, on Saturday, 17 October 2026. Held on the sidelines of the 2026 WAFU A U-20 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, the event focused on implementing protective standards for athletes within the region. The workshop took place on Saturday, October 17, 2026, serving as a critical platform for regional sports officials to align their policies. The event was held in Bamako, Mali, on the sidelines of the 2026 WAFU A U-20 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, providing a timely backdrop for discussions concerning the security of young athletes currently participating in the tournament.
Participants representing The Gambia at the assembly included U-20 player Modou Dem, physiotherapist Pa Matarr Ndow, and physical trainer Alfusainey Sise. Participants from The Gambia included U-20 player Modou Dem, physiotherapist Pa Matarr Ndow, and physical trainer Alfusainey Sise. The three-member team joined other regional representatives to address safeguarding protocols during the tournament period. These representatives engaged in collaborative sessions designed to foster a safer environment for all athletes present at the competition.
Focus on Player Welfare
Discussions at the workshop addressed multiple dimensions of player welfare, including specific measures against human trafficking and general protection against exploitation. The workshop covered player welfare, anti-trafficking, protection against exploitation, and interactions with scouts and agents. Attendees evaluated the risks associated with athlete interactions involving scouts and agents during international competitions. Organizers provided guidance on establishing secure environments for young athletes to prevent potential abuses within the professional sports sector.
The agenda required delegates to examine how regional standards can be applied to maintain the safety of players when they engage with external recruiters. By focusing on the specific vulnerabilities of youth players, the assembly sought to create a strong defense against predatory practices that often plague international youth sporting events. These sessions aimed to equip representatives from The Gambia and other nations with protocols for monitoring athlete-agent relationships. By standardizing these practices, the assembly sought to create a consistent framework for safeguarding participants in the 2026 WAFU A U-20 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Modou Dem, Pa Matarr Ndow, and Alfusainey Sise participated in these technical sessions to bring updated safety procedures back to the GFF. The delegation’s involvement ensures that the standards discussed in Bamako are integrated into the internal operational guidelines of the national football governing body. By prioritizing these safeguarding measures, the representatives aim to mitigate future risks for Gambian athletes competing on the international stage. The technical insights gained during this workshop will serve as a foundational element for the ongoing development of athlete protection policies within the country. The commitment of these three individuals to the workshop signifies a broader effort to ensure that the welfare of players remains the central focus during all phases of the 2026 WAFU A U-20 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and beyond.
