Women and girls belong in the football story

A history beyond the men’s national team

A national football guide is incomplete if it treats women as a side note. Girls and women participate as players, coaches, referees, administrators and leaders. Their experience is part of Gambian sports history, and the record should include their competitions and work as carefully as the men’s game.

FIFA’s account of Gambian development identifies 2014 as an important organising period, including a Women’s Football Coordinator role, coaching courses and grassroots initiatives. Its July 2022 report describes a workshop for coaches in the Under-17 women’s league and a symposium bringing stakeholders together. Those activities show that development involves people and institutions as well as matches.

A dated update: the 2026–2030 strategy

FIFA reported in May 2026 that the GFF had launched a Women’s Football Strategy for 2026–2030. Its announcement was linked to a GFF/FIFA Under-17 Girls League Development programme at the National Technical Training Centre in Old Yundum.

The published plan described activity in all seven regions, with 25 teams and 500 players expected over three months. These figures are programme targets in that announcement. They should not be rewritten as a permanent national player total or as independently confirmed completion figures.

What inclusion looks like in practice

An inclusive club can begin with practical questions. Are training times usable for girls as well as boys? Are changing arrangements appropriate? Do players know whom to approach with a concern? Are equipment, coaching attention and opportunities to compete distributed fairly?

Opportunities after playing matter too. A person interested in football may become a referee, coach, analyst, medical professional, photographer, grounds manager or administrator. Schools can invite women working in different parts of sport to explain their roles and the training those roles require.

Record achievements with care

When documenting a women’s competition, include its full name, season and level. Confirm results with the organiser before adding them to a history wall or school project. Photograph teams with permission and identify adults accurately; do not circulate private details about younger players.

Current league tables and national-team squads change, so this guide links readers to the GFF rather than presenting a historical season as today’s competition. A dated achievement remains valuable when its context is clear.

A useful discussion

Ask a school or club to map the barriers that prevent someone from taking part, then choose one change it can make. How would it know whether that change worked? Count participation and listen to players’ experiences rather than relying only on publicity photographs.