Yankuba Vermeulen, a Dutch philanthropist recently donated some sport items on behalf of Alkmaar Zaanstreek (AZ Alkmaar FC) a first division team in the Netherlands to a twin AZ Academy of Kotu Erinjang in The Gambia, at a ceremony held at the Kotu football ground along the Kotu Power Station. The donated items include two different sets of first class football jerseys and their socks, being the second of its kind within a year. The gesture is meant to fulfill the academy's basic requirements.

Delivering a statement at the handing over ceremony, Yankuba Vermeulen said that he has been giving similar assistance to many different football academies in the country for the past seven years. He said his support does not only centre on sports alone, but also other areas of development including the educational sector particularly a number of nursery schools in the country.  According to him, he first came to The Gambia as a tourist but realised the need to contribute his quota in improving the welfare of  Gambians particularly the needy.

He finally pledged that as long as his health condition allows him, he is more than willing to continue his support and also aspiring to strengthen his support to other parts of the country. “I feel The Gambia is part of me and I will never relent in my effort to support development activities in this country,” he said.

Receiving the donated materials on behalf of his institution, John Jarju alias Matarr, the coach of AZ Football Academy, said the donation did not come to them as a surprise, since when they first established a relationship with Yankuba few years back, he has been very supportive to their academy. He said that recently, the inspired philanthropist has been trying to twin their football academy with the giant AZ FC in the Netherlands, something he said they have been yearning for.  He finally thanked the donors for their unflinching support and motivation. William Sambou and Kawsu Joof, both players of AZ Football Academy on behalf their fellow players also expressed appreciation to Yankuba.