The management of Real de Banjul FC on Tuesday warmly welcomed the Sporting Real U-16 team to the club headquarters at Kerr Real, in recognition of their impressive performance in the recently concluded Gambinos Cup U-16 tournament.

The young and talented squad, led by head coach Yusupha Sanyang and his backroom staff, were joined by their proud parents for a vibrant ceremony hosted by the club. The team finished as runners-up in their debut appearance at the prestigious annual youth competition, narrowly missing out on the title after a dramatic penalty shootout in the final.

Sporting Real U-16, also known as the Young Whites, topped a tough group that included eventual champions Gambinos Stars Africa, LK City, and BE Sport Academy. They advanced from the group stage with an impressive seven points before defeating Senegalese side Elite Stars on penalties in the semifinals. In a closely contested final, they fell just short against the hosts.

Real de Banjul FC President William Abraham praised the young team for their discipline and determination.

“They’re all champions,” Abraham said. “We’re very proud of their performance, their commitment, and their professionalism. This was their first major competition, and they carried themselves with incredible maturity. We also extend our deepest thanks to the parents and coaching staff who supported them throughout.”

Second Vice President Mr. Bakary K. Jammeh also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the vital role the U-16 side plays in the club’s development structure.

“These boys are the foundation of our future,” Jammeh stated. “Their dreams—to become professionals and represent The Gambia—are our collective mission. Football is more than a sport; it’s a career path and a means of transforming lives. We are committed to guiding these players and helping them achieve greatness.”

He also praised the parents for their continued trust in the club and called on them to remain active partners in their children’s development, both on and off the pitch.

Speaking on behalf of the parents, Mr. Amadou Jallow expressed gratitude to the club for providing a platform for their children to pursue their dreams.

“We’re grateful to the club for nurturing our children and giving them the opportunity to shine,” Jallow said. “As parents, we have a responsibility to support them in both education and sport. With our collective efforts, we can help them succeed.” The ceremony served not only as a celebration of Sporting Real U-16’s achievements, but also as a reaffirmation of Real de Banjul FC’s commitment to youth development and community engagement.