The German Bundesliga, in collaboration EA Sports recently concluded an impactful eight-week football programme titled “Bundesliga EA Clinic” at the Bundesliga Common Ground facility in Ijaiye-Ojokoro, a suburb of Lagos.
The initiative aimed not only to develop children’s football skills but also to promote personal growth, character building, and life skills on and off the football pitch.
Throughout the programme, the children engaged in various training sessions and workshops focused on essential values such as teamwork, perseverance, self-confidence, creativity, responsibility, respect and FairPlay, discipline and goal setting.
A key highlight of the closing ceremony, held in Lagos was the display of the Bundesliga Meisterschale (Championship Shield), which served as a powerful motivator for the participating children.
The closing ceremony was designed to be vibrant and inspiring, celebrating football’s ability to unite and empower. Okocha, reflecting on his career across Europe, praised the Bundesliga’s long-standing commitment to youth development and encouraged the children to take the life lessons they learned seriously.
Certificates were awarded to the young participants in recognition of their involvement and growth. Okocha emphasized the importance of nurturing life skills early, noting that such experiences can play a transformative role in preparing young people for future success. He expressed confidence that the lessons from the programme would have a lasting impact on the lives of the children.
Also in attendance was Diego Contento, a former Bayern Munich player and Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League winner.
The Common Ground in Lagos, established by the Bundesliga in 2022, is part of a global initiative to create safe, inclusive spaces for children to play and for communities to come together.
This initiative extends beyond Nigeria, with similar projects in cities such as Mexico City, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, New York, Jakarta, Berlin, and Zabrze, reinforcing the Bundesliga’s global commitment to grassroots sports and community development.
