Group explains decision to invest in grassroots football

Grassroot football. Photo:UnilagSun

A group, Kiddies Mirror Initiative, has explained that it decided to invest in grassroots football to promote unity, friendliness, tolerance and discipline among teenage boys.

In its recent grassroots programme at the L&K Estate Sports Field, Owode Ajah, Lagos, the group invited sports fans, parents and families to be part of its programme, which featured football matches and an interactive session with participants at the venue.

The grassroots football initiative featured boys between the ages of 12 and 17 from Lagbasa community and its environs.

Speaking at the event, one of the resource persons at the programme, Coach Imoleayomaria Anthony Obi, a sports consultant and child’s rights expert, advised the children against cultism and other criminal activities, cautioning that such vices could affect their dreams and aspirations.

Obi taught the boys some skills that can help them in their football careers.

Also speaking at the event, a guest, Mr Olufolahan Olumide, who is the Chief Executive Officer, Folio Tech Institute, urged the boys to embrace Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and academics alongside their football skills, saying that combination would make them better sportsmen.

Speaking on the theme ‘ICT construction and vocational opportunities for today’s world,’ the Folio Tech lnstitute boss said his organisation believes in “catching them young and helping the society to begin to see the significance of early childhood education in technology.”

During the practical session, the boys were divided into two groups, according to their ages, by Coach Obi, who was assisted by ex-female footballer, Esther Sunday.

At the end of the session, 20 of the boys were offered