Minister Badjie Hails STAR-UP Foundation for Boosting Grassroots Football in Gambia

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Bakary Y. Badjie, has commended the STAR-UP Foundation of the Canary Islands, Spain, for its continued support to grassroots sports development in The Gambia.

Speaking on Tuesday, 12th November 2025, during a presentation ceremony held at the Gambia Fire and Rescue Services headquarters in Bakau, Minister Badjie expressed profound appreciation to the Foundation’s President, Madam Sonia Arup, and her delegation, describing them as “true friends of The Gambia.”

The event formed part of STAR-UP’s ongoing humanitarian initiative, which included the donation of sports equipment and football kits to five community football teams across the country — among them the Brerewukeng Female Football Team.

Minister Badjie said the donation reflects the Foundation’s strong commitment to advancing youth empowerment and sports development in The Gambia.

“The government of The Gambia, through my ministry, wishes to express deep appreciation to the STAR-UP Foundation under the leadership of Madam Sonia for consistently supporting The Gambia, not just the Fire Service but other areas as well,” he stated. “Your previous presentation at the State House, and now again within less than a year, demonstrates your dedication to improving lives and supporting communities across the country.”

He emphasized that the donation would significantly boost local football clubs and further strengthen grassroots sports initiatives.

Madam Sonia Arup, President of the STAR-UP Foundation, expressed her passion for sports and football, noting that she was the first female Vice President of a Football Federation in the Canary Islands and the third in Spain.

“Football has always been close to my heart,” she shared. “As someone whose family has deep ties to the game, my uncle being a former Real Madrid and FC Sevilla player, I am proud that the Foundation can contribute to the growth of football and the empowerment of young players in The Gambia.”

Madam Arup added that the Foundation’s mission centers on promoting solidarity, love, and dedication through community-based projects, with sports serving as a vital tool for development and youth inclusion.

Since its establishment in The Gambia in 2024, the STAR-UP Foundation has delivered containers of donated materials valued at over €3.5 million to communities and institutions nationwide.

Minister Badjie concluded by thanking the Embassy of Spain, the Canary Islands community, and STAR-UP Foundation for their sustained collaboration, emphasizing that such partnerships highlight the unifying power of sports.

“These partnerships remind us that sports have the power to unite nations and transform lives,” he remarked.

The event reaffirmed the deepening friendship between The Gambia and Spain through initiatives that empower communities and strengthen grassroots football development.