Kebbi’s football academy will help curb crime, says FA chairman

Kebbi State government decided to establish a football academy as a means to curb crime and other societal issues associated with the youths, the state’s Football Association Chairman, Alhaji Chika Abubakar Ladan, has said.

Ladan, who said the academy is also part of the government’s blueprint to reduce the high rate of unemployment among the youths, revealed that Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu has invited coaches from Portugal to train the children and also connect the exceptional talents to European clubs.

“The academy is for youths from age 14 to and those selected will be helped to play for the national teams and clubs abroad,” he said.

Apart from the foreign coaches, Ladan said coaches from across the country have been engaged to support the programme, adding that the team will also visit the state’s other three Emirates, including Zuru, Yauri and Argungu.

He appealed to the parents to allow their children to attend the training, saying the academy has the potential to lift many families out of poverty.

“The government has released funds for this journey and we really appreciate it,” he said, while calling on philanthropists to complement government’s by investing in youth development.