Delta approves five-year programme for U-16 footballers

The Delta State government has approved a five-year football development programme, which is aimed at discovering talents at grassroots.

Speaking in Asaba yesterday during the inauguration of the management board of the Delta State U-16 Elite League, the executive chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Tonobok Okowa, said this has become necessary to stem the slide in the state’s performance in football in
recent times.

He said that sports, especially football, was not just a good way to make money, but also enhanced good health and brings fame.

Okowa appealed to parents to encourage their children to participate in sports so that their hidden talents could be discovered at the early stage.

He charged members of the management board to bring their wealth of experience to bear in the discharge of their duties.

The Chairman of the management board, Mr. Sam Sodje, who spoke on behalf of other members, thanked Okowa for giving them the opportunity to contribute their quota to the development of grassroots football in the state.

Other members of the board are Mr. Peter Nnorom, Mr. Frank Ehigwe, Mr. Okoro Azubuike, Chief Majemite Andrew, and Mr. Chukwuma Ukah, who will serve as the secretary.