Over 2000 youths turned out today for the screening exercise ahead of the commencement of the maiden Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq Talent Hunt Tournament 2021, even as the General Coordinator, Bashir Badawiy promised a hitch-free competition.
While addressing the press after the screening which involved all the 20 clubs and Academies, at the Main-Bowl of the Kwara State Stadium Complex, Badawiy said the competition is all about giving opportunity to the youth in the state.
He added that the competition was introduced to also appreciate the contributions of the state Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to the development of youth and sports.
‘The exercise is all about the youth, as we plan to discover talents from the nooks and crannies of the state, which is in line with the policy thrust of the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
‘It is being staged to also honour a sport loving Governor, for lifting sports in the state, especially from the grassroots, as well as the renovation, modernization and construction of new sports infrastructure in the state’, he said.
‘Under this arrangement, which is being organized in conjunction with French Ligue 1 club, Olympic Marseille, it’s all about the discovery of talents in the mould of late Rashidi Yekini, Taiwo Awoniyi and others.
He charged the youth and their clubs to take full advantage of the opportunity by remaining focused, organized, discipline, and remain calm in displaying their skills at the more bigger stage.
Also at the stadium to witness the screening was Coach Bola Magaji, who applauded the screening, as well as the competition, which, according to him, will assist the state in football development at the grassroots.
He however, added that the competition can only achieve the desired results if sustained.
‘This is a sound programme for the grassroots, and there should be a process to make it happen every year, for it to achieve the required results.
The football tournament, which will be for U-17 players, will feature Kwara United Youth Team, ABS FC Youth Team, Kwara Football Academy (KFA), La Planet SA, House of Prayers Football Academy, Leacon Football Academy, Offa, Musty and Yolymike Football Academies.
Others are Emmy for Geo Football Academy, Debby Football Academy, Genosis Stallion Football Academy, Arsenal Kiddies Football Academy, B3 Warriors Football Academy, De-missionary Football Academy and Foresight Football Academy.
Also participanting are Royal Football Academy, Elite Football Academy and Barrier Football Academy.
The competition begins tomorrow, from 8.00 am.
