Spotlight: Babou Putting Down Roots in the Town

Roots’ versatile Gambian star Baboucarr Njie is making an impact on and off the field

Foundation Spotlight: Baboucarr Njie, Oakland Roots SC

In his first full season with Oakland Roots SC, Baboucarr Njie has established himself as a regular in the first team, featuring in a variety of positions from defense to attack and scoring his first two goals for the club. He’s also heavily involved in his local community, with the team, the Foundation and his own entrepreneurial business ventures. The Roots & Soul Foundation caught up with ‘Babou’ this summer when he came out to coach at the Let The Kids Play free summer camp, and asked him about why giving back has always been part of his gameplan.

“Soccer has always been the one sport that has gotten me through everything” he said. “Early on as a child, I knew I liked it and that I was good at it. Growing up in the neighborhood that I grew up in, soccer was what saved most of us as kids.”

This passion for the game has carried over into Babou’s work for the club in the community, where he regularly supports the club’s work with local non profits and schools - including showing up at a school in East Oakland with Golden State Warriors legend Steph Curry - as well as launching his own catering company specializing in African cuisine together with fellow Roots player Irakoze Donasiyano.

“I love Oakland not just because of the team but also I love the community” he said. “There is so much diversity and inclusivity as well. It’s my first time on a pro team where I feel like I am more than just a player and there are a lot more opportunities for me. I finally realized my speaking skills because the team was able to help me. Oakland is always inclusive of everyone in the community.”

This summer, the Roots & Soul Foundation supported  Let The Kids Play, a free soccer camp aimed at providing free soccer coaching to kids from underserved communities. Over 100 boys and girls took part in the event, which featured coaching sessions led by Babou and other Roots players.

“The Roots has inspired me a lot to give back” he said. “This is not the first event I've done with kids, I did one earlier in the season. I think Oakland Roots is very open to working with the community when it comes to doing camps, doing appearances, and having players show up to events like today. It is very good.”

Coaching with the Foundation is also helping Babou plan for his life after playing. “At the end of my career, at some point, I want to coach and there is no better place to start by volunteering these types of events” he said. “So. whenever these events happen, I will be there”.

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