The highly anticipated 2025 edition of the Aare Bash Fakorede U-15 Cup will kick off today at Ojo Oniyun Field, Apapa Road, Ebute-Metta, Lagos, promising an exciting display of young football talent. The tournament provides a platform for budding stars to showcase their skills, gain exposure, and potentially launch their professional careers.

With top teams and players expected to participate, the competition is poised to be intense and thrilling, captivating football fans and scouts alike. The event not only highlights the future of football but also fosters its development at the grassroots level, sportsmanship, teamwork, and community spirit among the young athletes.

At the presentation of the trophy and announcement of prizes for winners held at the Lekki office of the tournament sponsor, Aare Bashir Fakorede, in collaboration with the Lagos State Grassroots Soccer Association, unveiled an ambitious plan for this year’s tournament.

This year’s edition will mark a significant milestone with the introduction of a maiden female category. A total of 32 male teams and 24 female teams will compete for top honours in their respective categories. The female teams slugged it out at the Elegbata Complex, Lagos Island, Lagos.

Speaking at the event, Fakorede expressed his commitment to delivering a successful and entertaining tournament. He emphasized that the competition is not just about football, but a platform to spotlight emerging talents before a large audience.

“The Aare Bash Fokorede U-15 tournament is not just to watch football, but to witness the energy and potential of our future generation. Beyond the applause, we have provided monetary rewards for the top teams to encourage their efforts and excellence,” he said.

The prize breakdown for the male category includes N750,000 for the champions, N500,000 for the runners-up, N300,000 for third place, and N200,000 for fourth place. For the female category, winners will receive N400,000, with N300,000, N200,000, and N100,000 going to the second, third, and fourth-placed teams respectively.

Fakorede also called on the participating teams to embody the spirit of sportsmanship throughout the competition. “I assure you; all hands are on deck to ensure a smooth and successful tournament. We’ve put everything necessary in place, and we are hopeful it all works for the best,” he stated.

On the impact of the tournament on the participants, Fakorede noted that it has provided them the opportunity to be exposed to scouts, with some already plying their trade in clubs overseas. “We intend to ensure that more scouts come around during the tournament, and also some of our internationals to give morale boosts to the youngsters.”

He added that everything cannot be left for the government to do, stressing they have done their best by providing the facilities and the structures to engage the youths with competitions like the Aare Bash Fakorede U-15 Cup.

“I requested for two mini stadiums, one has been completed, while the other is near completion. We cannot leave everything to the government to be done. They have played their role with developments of the facilities to engage the youths and the establishment structures/institutions to guide them to thrive. We the citizens must protect these facilities,” he enthused.

Commending Fakorede for his unwavering support, commitment to youth soccer development in Lagos State for the past years, the Chairman of the Lagos State Grassroot Soccer Association (LSGSA), Rev Paul Freeman stated that without the dedication and sponsorship by Fakorede, events such as the Aare Bash Fakorede U-15 Cup would not have been possible.

“As a grassroot soccer association, our mission is to provide a platform for our kids to develop their talents, build character and install passion for the game in them. It’s our belief that the game of football possesses the power to unify communities, inspire individuals and create positive change among citizenry,” he said.

‘Let’s remember that the true value of this competition lies not only in winning, but also in the lessons learnt through participating , the friendship established and the memories created along the way,” Freeman added.

The Aare Bash Fakorede U-15 Cup continues to serve as a vibrant platform for grassroots football development in Lagos, nurturing young talents and promoting community engagement through sports. The grand finale for both the male and the female categories is set for August 10.