- By Demola Atobaba, Ado-Ekiti
Concerned Stakeholders in football sector in Ekiti State has taken the bull by the horn by setting standard and appealed to the Football Association body in the state to implement a ‘Catch them Young Policy’ to discover raw talented both in boys and girls in the various communities across length and bregth of the ‘Fountain of Knowledge’ state.
The Football Stakeholders made the appeal during an interactive session at the 2024 Ekiti State Football League Draws held at the Arede Hotels Ikere, the headquarters of Ikere Local Government of the state.
The Stakeholders urged the FA to organise a football summit while a committee should be set up to help in organising the summit.
While commending the FA for organising the State League, it was advised that the programme should be sustained for a long term development of football in Ekiti.
The football stakeholders advised the state government to set up committee for proper monitoring and management of funds budgeted for football programmes in the State.
They also appealed to the FA to invite international scouts to grace the State League and other grassroot football competitions to boost football development in Ekiti.
Football stakeholders appealed to the state government to mandate the local government chairmen to set up formidable football teams while incentives should be given to football clubs owners to encourage them in nurturing talented players.
Coaches and players were advised to cultivate good communication ethics and avoid destroying the good image of current and retired football administrators in the state.
The draws was witnessed by representatives of various participating clubs as well as football elders and administrators of repute from across the State including coaches, Referees and the Sports Writers.
The Olukere of Ikere Ekiti, HRM Oba Ganiyu Obasoyin being the Royal Father of the Day who hosted the event thanked the teeming Stakeholders who attended the draws and called on teams contesting in the State League 2024 to be sportsmanly and eschew violence before, during and after each game.
A prominent football and sports enthusiast and philanthropist, Hon. Abayomi Akogun – Lustay promised full support towards the Chief Olu Oloworemo led Ekiti State FA, urging corporate bodies both within and outside the State to allow support through sponsorship.
A total number twenty five Football Clubs drawn in groups A to F which will contest in the 2024 Ekiti State Football League that will be on home and away format.
The participating teams in group A are Vicolas FC, NewBall Warriors FC, Dynamo FC and Leo FC while group B comprises Ekiti United FC, De Light Football Academy, ABUAD Staff Team and Premier FC.
Teams in group C are Fuoye Dazzlers, Harmony FC and Golden FC just has group D has Crown Poly FC, CopDem FC, NIS FC and Shalom FC.
The other two groups are group E with White Horse FC, Jayden FC, Austin Boys FC and Adeyeye Adebowale (AA) FC while group F will feature Alone Star FC, Perfect Touch FC, Ikole United FC and Ajoni FC.
