Arsenal Kiddies Football Academy has listed the movement and signing of its prodigy, Olakunle Olusegun to FC Krasnodar of Russia as one of its as one of its major breakthroughs, as the Academy held its get-together and award ceremony for the year.
Delivering his address at the get-together at the ‘A Division Police Barracks on Monday, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Arsenal Kiddies Football Academy, Soni Omo Ahamioje said that the journey of Olakunle Olusegun abroad, through Abubakar Bukola Saraki Football Club sign-posts one of the major achievements of the Academy.
Also listed among the achievements are the Academy’s participation in the maiden edition of Kwara U12 YEG League, where they came second on the league standing, winning the Dr. Chukwudi Ogbolu U-12 Kids Cup back to back, as well as winning the 7th edition of Victor Okosun U-10 Christmas Cup back to back.
The club equally celebrated the admission of one of its U-14 players, Godwin Menyaga into the prestigious Adoration Football Academy, Enugu state, owned by Rev. Fr. Mbaka, the signing of four of its senior players by NPFL clubs for the 2022/2023 season, and having four of its players securing travelling visas ahead of their move to abroad.
According to Ahamioje, he has continues to emphasis to the boys that education is a life assurance and a meal ticket, as it’s the only legacy one can have to meander through lives challenges.
He identified lack of adequate sponsorship and finance as the main challenge of running the Academy, adding that he has realized the need to assist the talented youth to grow meaningfully, as doing so will create an avenue at having a better society.
“I can proudly say that over 350 boys have passed through this Academy, knowing fully well that they will grow and become somebody in life, owing to the training we gave them. As I watch these players grow and become somebody in life, I am happy to contribute my little quota to youth development in the society.
While appealing to clubs and football agents in Nigeria and abroad to seek the services of the players of the Academy, Ahamioje pledged that Arsenal Kiddies family will remain very strong, solid and united.
“I will want to appeal to clubs and agents in Nigeria and around the world to kindly come and sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with us in line with the NFF/FIFA Guidelines. We are ready and willing to offer best services through our players.
“Nobody can divide us. Like any other family, we have our differences and challenges, but we have always come out stronger and more united in the midst of difficult situations’, he said.
He thanked all the supporters and followers of the Academy, while also suing for more support.
“On behalf of the entire players and management, I want to sincerely thank everybody who have supported us through the years for their kindness and fatherly love for our kids’, he added.
Among the activities of the day are dancing and singing, jogging competition, nodding competition, two on two display among others, as Joshua Adekunle was adjudged as the overall Most Valuable Player for the season.
Among those who graced the occasion are the Kwara YSFON Chairman, mallam Ademola Kiyesola, Chairman Ilorin West Local Government, Yahaya Yar’Adua, DSP Osaze Agbayenmwire of the Police Band, Youth Coaches and others.
