159 schools gear up for COPA Coca-Cola championship

FOOTBALL fans across Nigeria would soon experience school football at its best form when the 2015 edition of COPA Coca-Cola local national championship kicks off this month.
 
The international youth football tournament, which is organised annually by leading global beverage giant, Coca-Cola, helps to identify and reward footballing teen talents and creates an opportunity for them to pursue their passion for Football, helping them to bond in the process, form new friendships and develop significant team skills.
 
Themed, “Everything for Football”, the 2015 Football tournament is divided into two phases, “Everyday Football” and the “Tournament”. 

At the first phase, which is the Everyday Football,  – communities would be provided with basic football equipment and kits at 10 selected playing fields. There would also be the creation of the ‘Legacy Pitch,’ which is the renovation of a football arena into a COPA mini- stadium.

The ‘Tournament,’ which is the second phase, would see 150 Schools participating across 10 key cities in Nigeria. It would involve a coaching clinic, where participating teenagers will get the unique opportunity to learn new tricks and flicks that will elevate their Football artistry from inspiring coaches and retired footballers. 

From the tournament in Nigeria, two Most Valuable Players (MVP) will be picked to feature in COPA Coca-Cola International camp in Germany in 2016.
 
Speaking about the initiative, Marketing Director, Coca-Cola, Patricia Jemibewon, said, “Statistics show 1.1 billion serves of Coke are enjoyed every day around the globe while 240 million people play Football regularly.