The Ajegunle community of Lagos State has been a beehive of activities for over three weeks with the Nathaniel Idowu Foundation’s football development programme aimed at discovering budding stars from the community and its environs.

First was an U-14 competition, which started two weeks ago and now, the foundation has kicked off a 10-week football training programme for secondary school girls, aptly titled “Let Her Play.”

The initiative was flagged off at the weekend at the iconic Maracana Stadium, in partnership with the Ajeromi-Ifelodun Sports Council.

The opening session drew enthusiastic young participants, guided through the basics of the game by certified female coaches, setting the tone for weeks of skill-building and mentorship.

Adekunle Raymond, father of one of the participants, described the programme as “very good and important to help the young girls chart a career path towards a better life.”

He added, “I’m very grateful to the organisers, particularly the sponsor of the event, the Nathaniel Idowu Foundation, for this opportunity given to our children.”

The Director-General of the Ajeromi-Ifelodun Sports Council,McAnthony Anaelechukwu, commended the turnout and reaffirmed the council’s commitment to the cause.

“Together with the Nathaniel Idowu Foundation, we are set to change the narrative as it concerns the girl-child and the hitherto limited opportunities for them to develop and pursue careers as athletes or footballers,” he remarked.