All is set for the 5th edition of U-15 Boys and Girls Aare Bash Fakorede Football Tournament which begins today at the two centres.
The tournament which is organised annually by the Lagos State Grassroots Soccer Association had produced talented youngsters that representented the junior national team, the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria at the major international tournaments.
To ensure that more talents are discovered and groomed from the grassroots, the tournament sponsor, Aare Bashiru Olawale Ashiru Fakorede announced the expanded 2025 tournament which will feature the girls category for the first time.
Speaking at a press conference heralding the tournament, the cup donor stated that the age grade competition was borne out of the need to engage the youth while hoping that the youngsters will seize the opportunity to develop their careers.
The sports philanthropist who presented trophies for the finals to the organizers alongside his wife, Yeye Tayo during the recent press conference and cup presentation, Fakorede reaffirmed his commitment to empower young people, adding that the tournament is sponsored to inspire discipline and promote positive values among young people.
Fakorede admitted that government alone cannot carry the burden of sports development, urging well meaning individuals to contribute to nation building by providing opportunities for talented youth to showcase their skills.
Meanwhile a total of 32 male and 24 female teams from different parts of Lagos will participate in the tournament with matches holding at two venues, Ojo Oniyun Sports Complex, Ebute Metta and Elegbata Sports Complex, Lagos Island.
The top four teams in both male and female categories will get cash rewards with the champions of boys competition going home with N750,000 naira with a giant trophy while girls winners will get 400,000 naira.
The final ceremony will hold on Sunday, August 10 at the Campos Memorial Mini Stadium, Lagos Island.
