Young Futures Football Academy
Staff
Coach Malamine
The owners of YFFA
Players at contract with agency TJ Players Advice
From left:
Muhammed Jallow 8/10 born: 18.04.2008
Aboubacarr Jarra Striker born: 28.02.2008
Alieu Haddy Gaye 9 born: 02.01.2008
Omar Sanneh RB/RWB born: 18.09.2008
Seedy Gassama Kolding IF
Muhammed Z Jarju LB/LWB
Young Futures Football Academy (YFFA) – The Gambia
Shaping the Future of Football in The Gambia
Young Futures Football Academy (YFFA) is a premier football academy based in Brikama Town, The Gambia. Founded by three partners in Aarhus, Denmark, YFFA is built on a strong foundation of European expertise and deep local connections. Our goal is to develop talented young footballers by providing them with professional training, academic education, and a pathway to a successful future in football and beyond.
Our Leadership
YFFA is led by a diverse and highly experienced team:
- Cecilia Lindström (CEO) – With a background in academia, startups, corporate management, sports, and non-profits, Cecilia oversees finance, legal, and management operations.
- Tony Nyom Nyom (Sports Director) – A former professional footballer from Cameroon with a DBU B coaching license and Talent ID certifications from DBU.
- Pa Modou Yabou (Sports Director) – A Gambian former footballer with experience in Spain and Denmark, leveraging an extensive network in European and Gambian football.
- Lamin Bayo (Academy Director) a well-respected figure in Gambian football, ensuring YFFA remains deeply embedded in the local football community. &
- Malamine Badiane (Head Coach) a Senegalese coach who is getting our players ready physically and mentally. In addition, several other local employees are working for the academy to make sure the players get what they need. Essa Sanyang is our Assistant Coach and his skill and dedication towards developing young players helps securing our player pipeline.
Our Mission & Values
At YFFA, we believe in more than just football. We are committed to holistic player development, fostering personal growth, and ensuring our players are prepared for life on and off the pitch. In addition, we are working with the local football community, employing local coaches that will grow their skills under our wings and be able to give back to where they come from.
Our core values define our approach:
- Respect – Treating teammates, coaches, and opponents with dignity.
- Trust – Building strong, honest relationships within our academy.
- Honesty – Encouraging integrity in everything we do.
- Effort – Pushing for excellence in training, education, and competition.
- Discipline – Instilling habits of hard work, focus, and responsibility.
- Professionalism – Preparing players for success in top-level football.
- One Family – Creating a supportive environment where everyone thrives.
Comprehensive Player Development
YFFA provides a structured and nurturing environment where players receive:
- High-Level Football Training – Training on multiple surfaces (sand, grass, and artificial turf) to prepare for all playing conditions.
- Competitive Matches – Frequent friendly matches, with plans to enter formal competitions as the academy grows.
- Academic Support – Payment of school fees for enrolled players, with future plans for private tutoring to prepare the players for an international career.
- Holistic Wellbeing – Safe housing, three nutritious meals a day, and an emphasis on mental and physical health.
Building the Future
Our ambition is to become The Gambia’s leading football academy, with state-of-the-art facilities that combine housing, schooling, and training grounds.
Strong Local & International Network
- We have quickly become a recognized academy in The Gambia, attracting attention from national team selectors and top local clubs.
- YFFA has built relationships with local divisional teams and academies, ensuring a continuous pipeline of top talent.
- Our European base provide pathways for players to transition to international football opportunities.
Commitment to the Community
Beyond football, YFFA is dedicated to reinvesting in the local community. Future initiatives include providing clean water, green energy solutions, and family support programs to improve the lives of our players communities and the families living there.
Join Us on Our Journey
YFFA is more than just a football academy – we are a family that believes in the power of football to change lives. Whether you are a player, a coach, a sponsor, or a football enthusiast, we invite you to be part of our mission to shape the future of Gambian football.
For more information, partnerships, or scouting inquiries, please contact us today!
See our players
