A three-day coaching clinic organised by All Nigeria Football Players Union (ANFPU) has ended in Abuja with stakeholders pouring encomioms on its impact.
The clinic engaged many Nigerian youths through a cross culture core programme known as Open Fun Football clinic which held inside the British Nigeria Academy.
The concept, according to the organisers was to bring children, young people, adults and stakeholders to meet and have fun and play football.
During the training session, UEFA Licensed coach Anders Levisen, alongside Nigerian coaches tutored the participants on the fun in football such as shooting, control, endurance, flexibility and focus.
According to Levisen, “I’m amazed with zeal of the coaches and students, and I have told them the enormous benefits in football. It must be fun and enjoyed, apart from the competitive nature in professional football. The basic rules about football is the essential ingredient in the game.”
On the other hand, the students who attended the workshop were drilled in several areas of football techniques, living them with memorable experience.
“My name is Yahaya Musa. I learnt how to control the ball. How to be focused and what it takes to be a good player. I enjoyed the programme,” he said.
For Esther Audu, “I thank God I was selected to be part of this workshop. I would have missed it.”
For the teachers who watched the Open Fun Football, it was an exciting experience.
“My name is Mabel Iliya. I’m a teacher from GSS Garki. I want the organisers to do more by organising this programme always, atleast once every year,” she said.
Chairman Board of Trustee of ANFPU, General Chikelue Iloenyosi, said the workshop was part of the union’s vision to train coaches at the grassroots.
“I’m so happy that we have hit the ground running. We are committed to helping coaches in Nigeria to achieve their dreams,” he said.
A participant Barrister Victoria Nlemigbo was of the view that the workshop would further fast track development of football at the local areas.
ANFPU President Abdul Sule said the union was committed in using the concept of football to unify former and current football players under one umbrella.
“The round leather game is a unifier, so we shall do every within our power to help our members through education, entertainment and enlightenment,” he said.
Ex-International Patrick Pascal who equally is delighted that ANFPU used the programme to promote football for all, said, “I played football at the highest level so I know the benefits in it. These young kids could be the Jay Jay Okocha’s tomorrow, so they should be encouraged through any means.”
Excited by the turnout of coaches and participants, President of Ratels Sports Development Foundation (RSDF), Barr Paul Edeh, commended organisers for putting together the programme.
He said for coaching to thrive in Nigeria, there is need for consistence upgrade of the knowledge of the coaches.
Certificate of participation was handed out to the participants after the workshop.
