Rivers Coach Makes Case For Grassroots Football

The Head Coach of Port Harcourt United FC ,Eyabo Eyabo, has said that if proper attention is  given to grassroots football in  Rivers State, it will cut off  youth restiveness and help to provide job opportunities in the state.
He said  that, investing in grassroots football, is one of the lucrative business which ex- professional should do, rather than investing  in oil business without engaging in grooming young  ones to replace them in the future.
Eyabo who is popular called “Yaro – Yaro” made this assertion in a chat with Tidesports at the weekend,  during a grassroots football match in Port Harcourt.
According to him, many pioneer footballers  neglected to impact the youth by organising tournaments, adding that, if the young stars are well motivated in the sport,  they will improve  in their chosen career and, as well  keep them away from social vices.
“ Actually I don’t subscribed to government coming into sponsoring  sporting activities.
Football should be left in the hands of cooperate bodies, meaningful individuals and  philanthropist who are interested in the game.
They should come and invest into this young potential, because there is so much to gain in football industry.
It is a glorious business that when you invest, you stand  to reap bountifully.
But our people here didn’t understand the importance of investing in the grassroots rather they are looking at the immediate gain, that is while they want into oil business or any other business that will gave them immediately return,” Eyabo narrated.
He further explained that, if proper attention is given to football in the grassroots in the state it will bring greater development in the state and beyond.
“ It will also help in providing job opportunities as they grow in the sport.
If the youth are engaged in playing football they  are going to benefit other meaningful things  in the society.

By: Kiadum Edookor