No fewer than 50 young footballers are expected to participate in the ABT Football Academy Scouting Programme scheduled for Aug. 17 to Aug. 23 at the academy’s facility on Sabon Gari Road, Kwoi, Kaduna.

President of ABT Football Academy, Alhamdu Bala Gyet, told journalist that the programme was designed to discover talented grassroots players.

He said the academy would provide promising youngsters with opportunities to pursue professional careers and compete in top football leagues worldwide.

Bala said the programme was strictly for players aged 16 to 20, describing the age bracket as crucial for identifying talents early.

According to him, the programme will provide young players with professional assessment, guidance, and possible pathways with clubs abroad.

He said players would be assessed by Marcelo Houseman, a renowned Argentine international scout, alongside Alhamdu Fumom, Manager of ABT Football Academy.

He said: “Age 16 to 20 is a critical period in football development, and we want to identify players early enough to support their growth.

“Marcelo brings extensive international scouting experience, and his presence gives our young players an opportunity to be assessed against global standards,” he said.

Bala said Houseman was a FIFA-licensed football scout credited with discovering players, including Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo, Obinna Nsofor, Solomon Okoronkwo and Christian Ebere as well as several other African talents.

He said the scout would assess players based on technical ability, tactical awareness, athleticism, discipline, character, and their overall potential.

Bala added, “Houseman also played roles in the careers of South African football greats, including Lucas Radebe, Doctor Khumalo, John Moshoeu, and Philemon Masinga. He recently secured the signature of Ghana’s highly-rated 18-year-old prospect, Kelvin Nhrumah.

“Football is not only about skills. We are looking for players with discipline, intelligence, determination, and the character required to succeed professionally.”

He explained that the players selected would be presented with the opportunities to play for some LaLiga clubs in Spain.

“All positions, all talents, and equal opportunities are our priorities. We want real futures for these young players,” Bala said.

He urged interested players to seize the opportunity, describing the programme as a platform for youngsters who dream of becoming professional footballers, saying that, “Be scouted, be discovered, and be the next star. This is an opportunity for young talents to take the first major step.”