By Ozioruva Aliu
AN Edo State based academy, Idah Football Academy has said that it would target kids of between 10 to 14 years already in school into their academy just as it said they would ensure that the kids combine football and education to make them complete footballers in future.
The Founder and president of the Academy, Osaretin Idahosa stated this at the unveiling of the academy, its coach and logo at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium where he said that the Academy would also engage the services of teachers to give extra lessons to the kids while playing football.
Speaking at the unveiling with the theme: “Raising Stars, Building Leaders”, Idahosa said the organization hopes to catch the kids young and develop their character.
“We are ready to help their communities to see that with their talents and education that they can go far and become what you want them to be. We are going to take care of their school fees. And ensure we grade them, and see how they are doing in school.
“That is going to be the priority we are going to put in place. For you to be into the academy, you must be in school. If you are not in school you must have started school, and watch you for a term or two term and bring you into the academy. We will also get lesson teachers for them that would help them grow,” he added.
Osaretin Idahosa therefore appealed to the government at all to provide a good environment for the kids to develop their skills and talents.
On his part, the Chairman, Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, represented by Baldwin Bazuye, urged the kids to give 100 percent to the football academy and ensure they get educated.
“If you want to play football, give 100 percent to it, because you don’t know if that is your future. But, you must go to school,” he stated.
Special Guest, Chairman Edo State Football Association, Fred Newton, advised the young kids to respect their coaches, train hard, be disciplined and cultivate good character.
“I want to thank Mr. Idhosa Osaretin, and the entire team behind this noble project for taking a step many only dream of. By creating this academy, you are not only offering technical training and development, you are also giving young people an opportunity to pursue a path of purpose, discipline, and growth -both on and off the pitch,” he said.
Jackson Udu, one of the young kids that is in the football academy said, he is very excited about being a footballer.
