Anambra State football season commences next year for youths in the state

Anambra State has launched its football season at St. Mary’s High School, Ifitedunu.

The competition comprises six separate tournaments to include the U-13 Kiddies Cup, U-17 Academicals (Governor’s Cup), University Soccer (VC’s Cup), Community Shield, Market Exchange (Traders’ Cup) and also Security Challenge (Security Cup).

Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra, who performed the flag-off of the soccer season, was represented at the event by Nkem Okeke, his deputy.

The governor said that at the event that it was the first time such tournament would be taking place simultaneously in the state.

He noted that the tournaments would help the discovery of hidden talents among youths and once discovered would be encouraged to go higher.

According to him, the idea is to keep the younger ones active in sporting competition and harness youthful talents as well as keeping them away from crime and criminality.

“The whole idea of this tournament is fantastic, as it involves not just school children but also markets and communities in the state,’’ Obiano said.

He prayed for a successful tournament, while expressing optimism for the best teams to emerge winners in the various tournaments’ categories.

Earlier, Tony Oli, the chairman, Anambra State Sports Development Commission, said the tournaments, which would be opportunity to `catch them young’, explained that it would enable the state to select young `would be’ soccer stars to represent Anambra in future major competition across the country and beyond.

“Today (Dec. 5) is a remarkable day in the history of sports in Anambra,’’ Oli noted, stressing that football tournament of every season would commence every Nov. 30 and end on May 27.

He also announced that ‘Children’s Day’ on May 27 would be reserved to host final matches of the season.

The occasion featured presentation of balls to representatives of schools, communities and markets as well as display of trophies by the Deputy Governor and other dignitaries present.

Event also featured other forms of entertainment as well as football Jugglers.

– Dec. 10, 2018 @ 12:59 GMT |