MY SPORTS JOURNEY
My name is Adama Jarju. I am a CEO/President, Football Coach, Football Administrator, Softball/Baseball Coach, Volunteer, Development Worker, Environmentalist, and Farmer.
I’m involved in many areas because I want to be independent, self-sufficient, and self-employed. However, none of this is possible without being committed to myself and to the people around me. Sports is a big part of my life, and I’ve been deeply involved in football for many years.
I started playing football for my village team, Nawetten, back in my primary school days. I was inspired by our PE sessions and continued to pursue football as a passion. From my village, I moved on to play for a second-division team called Jam City in Jambangelly. They encouraged me to pursue coaching, so I began taking the GFF (Gambia Football Federation) coaching courses for women’s coaches in collaboration with FIFA. I completed the course twice, followed by my D-License, and eventually achieved my C-License. Football is not just a passion for me—it’s my profession.
In 2007, I started my own female football team, initially named Gamtel. However, the team didn’t succeed, and I changed the name to Siffoe United. This was a bad decision, as the local community claimed ownership of the team, and any property or team named after a village or community belonged to them. I had no choice but to let it go and refocus on playing for Jam City. Eventually, they were unable to sustain the team, so they came back to apologize. I agreed to take back the team, on the condition that I could rename it, which led to the formation of Yakarr Football Academy.
In 2015, we began participating in the West Coast Regional Women’s Football Third Division League. In the 2021/2022 season, we won the league and were promoted to the Gambia Football Federation Second Division—one of our dreams came true! Our team now consists of 40 girls, a technical staff of 5 boys and 3 ladies, and an executive team of 11 people.
VISION AND MISSION
My vision is to bring women’s football to the doorstep of every young girl in The Gambia. I want to provide mentoring, networking opportunities, and ensure that football offers opportunities for all girls, not just a select few.
My mission is to drive, innovate, and advocate for a professional and sustainable future for women’s football clubs and academies, while protecting their integrity during times of challenge and change. I also aim to see Gambian women playing in professional football leagues in The Gambia and internationally.
The core values of football—leadership, sportsmanship, accountability, respect, goal setting, teamwork, community, communication, passion, and competition—align perfectly with the desired attributes in business. I aim to operate with integrity, work as a team, and help achieve collective goals.
CORE VALUES AND LEADERSHIP
I pride myself on being honest, trustworthy, and empathetic. I believe in treating every human being equally, regardless of their background.
What sets Yakarr Football Academy apart from others is that my academy operates as more of a charity. We donate materials to other academies, sponsor players who need support, and motivate underprivileged girls by paying for their education through my foundation. «She who loves football must do more than just talk about it.»
MY PROMISE
I promise to remain loyal and honest with all my clients, players, and community members.
In addition to my work in football, I am also deeply involved in farming. I run the Daughters of Gambia Foundation, Adama Jarju Scholarship Foundation, Adama Jarju Horticultural Garden, and of course, Yakarr Football Academy/Club.
It has been a long journey, it was not easy for me to pursue my career dream because of cultural and perceived religious barriers regarding women’s football. Football is seen as men’s game
My mother was not appreciative of my sporting career choice at the beginning; my late father was very supportive. My mum had no choice because my dad supported me. She began supporting me when she had no option. She is now my biggest supporter.
During my footballing career I face a lot bullying statements both physical and on social media, it was very challenging at first now that I overcome every situation, I am a successful person in women’s football.
‘’Every successful person you see in life has a story to tell’’.