In a bid to positively engage youths and create a platform for them to showcase football talents, a football tournament instituted by the former Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Barrister Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli has commenced in Ibadan.
The soccer tourney is specifically designed for youths in the Oyo South senatorial district which comprises nine local governments namely: Ibadan North, Ibadan North East, Ibadan North West, Ibadan South-east, Ibadan South West, Ibarapa Central, Ibarapa East, Ibarapa North and Ido Local Government Area.
The grassroots football tournament according to the Barr Alli, who is a reputable sports lover was conceptualized to encourage new players to improve their football skills whilst having fun, saying it will helps to develop the local talent and confidence of players, regardless of the background of each player while it will also help to promote diversity and reduces the likelihood of discrimination.
Alli, who has joined the Oyo South Senatorial District to contest ahead of the 2023 general elections under the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC), added that part of his plans is to empower youths via football by raising a team via the tournament, employ a good coach and register the team for the Nationwide League.
The tournament which commenced early this month will be played across the nine local governments in a round robin format, while qualifiers will slog it out for the big money top prize ahead of the final match and closing ceremony that have been scheduled for January 2023.
Packaged by Olanrewaju Agiri
