Dear Mr. Editor,

 May I share in the immense pride that is to The Honour of The Gambia. Our Baby Scorpions have rewarded the faith of so many by winning The African Youth Cup in Algeria. This comes as no surprise to me, for the seeds of success were sown many years ago. By the memorandum of co-operation signed jointly by myself and The National Sports Council on July 23rd 2005, I pledged that I would act to further bi lateral ties in Europe for and on behalf of The Gambia in the area of Sport. In November 2005

 I presented to the Under 17's ....36 pairs of hand made "state of the art" German football boots, given in a ceremony at The Corinthia Atlantic Hotel. This was a great honour for me, and highly commended by The former Minister of Sport... Mr. Samba Faal and The Chief Executive of the NSC Mr.Donald Sock. Also present was Mr.Bono Johnson and Mr.Faal the Permanent Secretary of Youth and Sports. Further presented. was a full team strip to the football stars of Gunjur and a further full team strip to The Bilajo Sports Academy of Serre Kunda. { I remain the Chairman of this foundation}

It was recognized that the success of the National teams could not be achieved without the building and reinforcing of the game played at local level. In September 2002, I took the Minister and the Permanent Secretary to Old Trafford in co-operation with Manchester United. Their I presented a 3/4 size replica of The English F.A. Cup to The GFA along with £2000. In June 2004, It was my privilege to donate the winners trophy to that seasons victors at the final of the Nawatten competition. In April 2006, I engaged Arsenal Football club to jointly sponsor a 14 team competition in Gunjur.The Manager of Arsenal , Mr.Arsenne Wenger,sent a personal message of support to all the participants, and to The Secretary of State. He in turn, Kindly allowed his name to be given to the competition....The Samba Faal Glorius Trophy.The prizes were excellent, at 10,000 dalasis for the winners, with further large prizes donated all the way down to even the best supporters. It gave me great pride to award the winners Gamcel and to acknowledge the best supporters as my own MSR {Mike Scales Reprographics} football team of Gunjur.

Also donated by Arsenal was a full  first team Junior strip to The Young Lions of Gunjur {under 12's} Arsenal also, gave their time to allow all  their first team players, to sign an Arsenal Jersey with all the  first team members who that year won the English Premier league and F.A.Cup double.This was my  great honour to present this Jersey to The Rt.Hon Samba Faal. The total financial outlay donated  from 2000 up to day's date stands at just over 8 million dalasis.I believe this single contribution stands as the largest independant/International contribution to the betterment of Sport and in particular. in the area of soccer from on overseas donar.This by way of furthering the goodwill from England to The Gambia.

It also follows that we British have supported the development of Soccer through many goodwill organizations and individual donations to The Gambia for many years. I would like to applaud all these grand Gestures from so many good hearted British people.

In this instance I am at one with His Excellency President Jammeh and his Honourable Vice President, who has taken a keen "hands on" approach to the furtherance of football. I would also like to send my best wishes the the present Minister of Youth and Sports and to The National Sports Council and The Gambian Football Association.

The betterment and development of any nation is greatly advanced by the success of its national sports teams. I am so proud to witness that our combined efforts have come of age.

 God Bless the " baby "scorpions......God Bless The Gambia.

                                                                                                       I remain Michael U.K.