Players Commend Aspire Football Academy’s Initiative

Some of the 50 players at the just concluded sixth Aspire
Football Dreams Camping programme in Lagos have commended its organisers, the
Aspire Football Academy, for developing grassroots soccer in the country.

The Qatar-based academy scouts for male players of 13 years
of age in the country.

The 50 outstanding players at the camp were selected from
the 820 that registered across the country for the programme’s preliminary
trials in January.

Four outstanding players were  selected from the 50 at the final trials in
Lagos and would be registered for a training programme at the Qatar-based
academy.

The players told newsmen at the camp at the National
Stadium, Lagos, that the event would inspire more talented young players in the
country.

One of the five goalkeepers selected for the trials, Stephen
Iwu, commended the academy for organising the scouting programme.

“I am so happy to be part of the five goalkeepers that were
selected for this year’s final trials at the academy.

“I have really learnt a lot and hopefully, I should be
selected among the players that will be going to Qatar to improve my talent,’’
he said.

Kareem Toheeb, a midfielder, urged the academy to not relent
in its efforts at sponsoring the programme in the country.

Another player, Joe Nduka, said that the initiative was good
and advised the organisers to be fair in their selection.

“I must commend the academy for this wonderful initiative
and they should also endeavour to be fair in the selection,’’ he said.

Mathew Ezekiel and Ime Fabio, both expressed hope on their
chances of being selected in the final of the event.

According to them, the scouting programme is an avenue for
aspiring football talents to achieve their dreams.

The final selection programme, which commenced last
Wednesday ended at the weekend.

The academy also scouts for talents in six other African
countries namely: Senegal, Mali, Moroco, Kenya, South Africa and Cameroon.