In a bold move to further develop football, the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Lagos has sealed a partnership training pact with the Osun State Football Association to train coaches.
The agreement which was signed on Wednesday at the NIS office would commence with the first batch of 100 coaches in Osogbo in the second week of December, 2024.
Speaking at the symbolic signing ceremony held at the institute, NIS Director-General Professor Olawale Moronkola said this agreement was geared towards consolidating on football development across the country in line with the mandate of NIS.
“We have a responsibility to keep upgrading the capacity and knowledge of Nigerian coaches. Once our coaches are developed, they will impact positively on our young players and make meaningful contributions to our football development.We started in Lagos and I’m excited that Osun State has also keyed into the initiative,” he said.
In his response, Chairman of the Osun State Football Association Mr. Sola Fanowopo said, “Our goal is to provide high-quality training and certification to at least 1000 grassroots coaches over the next 12 months, with a focus on improving their technical, tactical, and physical training skills.
“We believe that this programme will not only enhance the standard of coaching at the grassroots level but also contribute to the growth and development of football in our state.
“We want to change the narrative of football development in Osun State which can only be achieved in partnership with the National Institute for Sports. We have engaged with all stakeholders and agreed that this is the best way to go. Once we succeed with the first batch, there will be no looking back as others will have no choice but to join the fray.”
The coaches will be trained by top rated coaches and certified by the NIS.