32 youth clubs, in Offa Local Government Area and its immediate and extended environments have registered to participate in the 16th edition of the annual Prince Bolarinwa Olagunju Memorial Soccer Tournament in Offa.
The competition will kick off on Monday with two matches, all in Group A, at the Oloffa Stadium, Offa. Pele Boys will take on Aiyedade FC in the opening match by 1.30pm, while the defending champions, Kwara Football Academy takes on Olaiya Football Academy by 3.30pm, same day.
At the draws and seminar signalling the commencement of this year’s event on Thursday November 23, 2023, sponsor, Aremo Sir Robert Soji Olagunju KSG, who was represented by Prince Remmy Olalekan Olagunju commended the organisers and the teams, for sustaining the platform, where he said, many talents have been discovered.
He pledged that the family of Olagunju will continue to support the initiative, which he added, has become a stable launch-pad for talented youths in the community and its environs. He said that the competition has impacted tremendously, on the development of the round leather game.
Speaking on behalf of Hon. Jare Olatundun, who is the Transition Implementation Committee (TIC) Chairman of Offa Local GovernmentArea, the Supervisor for Education, Youth and Sports, Hon. Lateef Oyeleke described sports as tool for encouraging unity and talent discovery, even as he called for ‘Fair Play’ throughout the competition.
While delivering his lecture on ‘Understanding your Community’, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PhreeStyle Sport, Shogo Shodunnke charged Club Owners and Managers to define the purpose and target audience of their club, whether it’s competitive or recreational, and to equally determine performance levels and legalities.
“Assess the level of formality and legality required, understand the paperwork needed to establish the club as a legitimate entity.
Establish core values and regulations, and also, formulate foundational values and rules governing communication, behaviour, conflict resolution, and gameplay.
He tasked them on the acquisition of competent coaches, capable administrators, development of comprehensive budget:, formation of a team, finding a suitable venue, creation a club calendar, planning for long-term goals and networking with other club leaders, especially those who have successfully established sports clubs.
“But the only way to greatness in football is the right attitude, hard work and functioning platforms”, Shodunnke added.
Also in the course of the competition, registration for the 10th edition of Princess Maria Arinola female memorial soccer competitions will commence, and will hold at the same Oloffa Stadium.
The two in one competition is being organised by Alhaji Wasiu Adebisi Lawal of Bisi International Business Ventures Limited, supported by Olagunju family, and being sponsored by Soji Olagunju.
According to Lawal, youth across the state and its environs should as usual, take advantage of the competitions in advancement of their career, even as he described football, and sports generally, as a unifying factor.
Other teams that will take part in the completion are Bulala FC, Oyaninsuwa FC, Offa Pillar and Alahad FC of Ilorin, all in Group B, while in Group C are Monshow FC, Bola Babes, Unity FA and JK Feeders. Ajoke Water tops the list of teams in Group D, with others as Offa United, KBG and JK Boys.
RM Bullets are in Group E alongside Print Best, KB Bintinlaiye and Mindo FC of Ibadan. In Group F are Peace FC, Doctors Boys, Iyalode FA and Ajasse United of Ajasse-Ipo. Lucky Stars will square up with Infinity FC, Young Boys and Baba Chey in Group G, and in the last group, Group H are Umar Tameem, De Scorpions, Young Talents and MM Oil and Gas.
