Organisers of the Channels National Kids Cup say they are using this year’s edition to lay the necessary foundation that would assist in the fight against football age cheats at all levels.
The annual tournament is organised for primary school pupils under the age of 13 with the aim of promoting grassroots football development and talent discovery.
Speaking at the official press conference to announce the start of the competition, Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, Mr. Steve Judo confirmed the commitment of Channels Television in supporting school sports and football at the grassroots.
According to Mr. Judo, “Our task is to make it possible. Our mission is to provide practical step by step assistance, participating in grassroots sport like football keeps students focused on school work and being part of a team”.
“The tournament became a national affair in 2013 owing to the numerous appeals from governments and people from different states to allow their kids take part, thus “The Channels National Kids Cup””, the MOC Chairman stated.
Commissioner of Sports in Lagos State, Wahid Enitan Oshodi, who was present at the press conference, was full of praise for Channels Television, a TV station he described as one with a difference.
Oshodi said: “We must applaud Channels Television for the support they have been giving to grassroots football yearly. Mr. John Momoh is aware that the governor, Babatunde Fashola has special interest in this tournament and will keep supporting it”.
The sports commissioner explained that the competition would provide kids “a rare opportunity to become great stars like the ones they see on TV”, emphasising that primary schools are the best places to start the talent hunt.
The Chairman, Lagos State Football Association, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, while speaking on the need to eradicate age cheats in Nigerian football, reminded the players and officials not to operate with the win at all cost mentality.
“Not all these children will grow up to be footballers, but the benefit they will get from participating in this tournament is unquantifiable. They may never have any other friends from Kwara State than the ones they’ll meet at the tournament,” Akinwunmi said.
The 6th edition of the Channels National Kids Cup will kick off on Wednesday May 22 at Agege Stadium and the final game will be played on May 27 (Children’s day) at Teslim Balogun Stadium Surulere.
Participating Primary Schools
Kaduna State – Research Model Primary School, Kawo, Kaduna
Jigawa State – Jahun Central Primary School, Jigawa
Delta State – Nana Primary School, Mabiaka Road, Off Esisi Road
Rivers State – Banham Primary School, Aggrey Road, Port Harcourt
Abia State – School Road Primary School, Umuahia
Ebonyi State – 12 Apostles Nursery & Primary School
Kwara State – Bishop Smith Local Government Primary School
Ondo State – St. Anthony’s RCM Primary School, Araromi, Akure
Ekiti State – Irepodun Nursery & Primary School, Ikole-Ekiti
Oyo State – Ibadan Municipal Government (IMG) Primary School 1, Agugu, Ibadan
Ogun State – Samuel Ajayi Memorial Primary School, Abeokuta
Osun State – First Baptist Elementary Primary School, Iwo
Lagos State 1 – Ebute Metta Primary School, Ebute Metta
Lagos State 2 – Toyibat Nursery & Primary School, Gbagada
Lagos State 3 – Ago-Egba African Church Primary School, Ebute-Metta
Lagos State 4 – Dr. Teslim Elias Nursery & Primary School, Lagos Island
