At Meadow Hall’s Summer camp, Amokachi harps on hardwork, dedication

The Meadow Hall Summer Football Camp with Daniel Amokachi recently came to a close. The camp, which commenced on Tuesday July 18, at Meadow Hall, Lekki, Lagos, offered children from ages 4-17 opportunity to take their interest in football to the next level.

Over the five days, there were various activities and drills, which aimed at keeping the kids entertained, as well as teach them the basics of the game. Throughout the camping period, Amokachi was thoroughly hands-on and his passion to guide and improve the children was clear to see. In fact, the final day provided parents opportunity to watch their children compete against one another and showcase the skills they acquired over the period. It was a spectacle to see many of the parents beam with smile, as their wards displayed their talent on the turf.

Thereafter, it was the closing ceremony, which opened with a goodwill message from the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) Chairman, Mr. Seyi Akinwunmi, who had a lot of positive words to say about the continued ‘progress of Meadow Hall’.

He said, “I was here when they first opened the turf, and they explained how serious they were about sports; I am happy to see they have fulfilled that.”

He described the great job being done, as “not just creating football talent, but also developing social skills”, and also, that LSFA can boast “the best grassroots football scheme” in Nigeria.

Akinwunmi said his main focus in the state is to ensure that “football isn’t seen as an alternative, but rather as a supplement to school work” and he is going around schools that share this idea, to continue to “encourage them to keep up the good work.”

While showing his appreciation, Daniel Amokachi, said, “it’s a pleasure to be wanted; it’s grace from heaven when an institution like Meadow Hall wants to partner with you.”

He commended the institution for the dedication to sports, and mentioned their array of facilities, including basketball, volleyball and tennis courts, as well as an athletics track, swimming pool and of course, their football pitch.“This is a great platform for the next generation,” he said.

Amokachi was full of praise for parents of the participants for the support and encouragement given to their children and wards. He equally spoke of at least six participants who could potentially become stars in the future with “hardwork, dedication and the right guidance.”

Some of the parents, who spoke with The Guardian, were ‘positive’ and ‘enthusiastic’ about the skills learnt and some even claimed their child’s ‘interest in football’ had increased due to the fun they had over the period.

The Group’s Executive Director, Business Affairs, Mr. Charles Imevbore, who thanked Akinwunmi for Lagos State’s continued support, said, “we are already looking forward to the third edition with Amokachi.”

He described the ex-international as a “great ambassador of football both here and abroad” and expressed delight in his group being able to work with the former Super Eagles skipper.

“The commitment of both Amokachi and Meadow Hall to developing the next crop of football stars is clear to see, and we look forward to what they have planned for their next Football Camp,” he said.

Mr. Onome Obruthe, parent of a participant, commended the manner, which girls were encouraged to play alongside their male counterparts; saying, “sport is meant for both sexes, and I’m delighted my daughter had a great time at the Summer Football Camp with Daniel Amokachi.”