Hajiya Hida Gadar, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and coach of Breakthrough Football Academy, Kano, says the academy will focus on identifying, nurturing and developing young football talents for professional careers.
Gadar said this at the launch of the academy in Kano on Saturday.
She said the initiative started at the Racecourse field in Kano before it was expanded to a bigger facility to accommodate more aspiring footballers and provide a better environment for training and development.
Gadar said she initially faced uncertainty but was encouraged by the support she received from residents of Kano, adding that the response motivated her to continue despite the challenges.
She said the academy aimed to instil discipline, commitment and confidence in young players while helping them understand the opportunities available through football.
According to her, football can improve the lives of players and their families when properly managed, while organised sports can also keep young people away from substance abuse and other negative social behaviours.
She urged aspiring footballers to take their training seriously, remain disciplined and work hard to achieve their ambitions.
Gadar also called on the government and relevant stakeholders to support grassroots football development through investment in sports facilities, training programmes and opportunities for young players.
She reaffirmed the academy’s commitment to providing young footballers with the training and guidance needed to improve their skills and progress in the sport.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Alhaji Tukur Babangida, commended Gadar for establishing the academy to identify and develop young football talents in the state.
Babangida said the initiative would contribute to grassroots sports development by providing young players with opportunities to improve their skills and pursue professional football careers.
(NAN)
