What Nigeria must do about grassroots football (part 2) – Godwin Dudu-Orumen

World Grassroots Cups:
With the growth of football that is being experienced, the game’s world governing body FIFA has chipped in to offer their support. The body has come up with a strategy to assist players in the level to develop their talent. Among the cups that grassroots football enjoys include the UEFA Grassroots Day. Since it was first introduced in Europe, it has seen the number of participants grow from thousands to over 4.6 million. The cup honors players, coaches, sponsors and supporters of the game that have shown excellence in recent times. Separate tournaments for both boys and girls grassroots players have been set up all over the world to ensure that the sport stays together. Outside Europe, there are lesser known grassroots football cups. In spite of their lack of popularity, grassroots football has stood out as it continues to channel more players out of the league to professional leagues.

Global Initiative for Grassroots football:
The world football governing body FIFA has come up with a global initiative to support grassroots football. For example, the mission of the body seeks to make the game known to as many people as possible. Hence, it will draw a greater interest from many people who will in turn offer their help. Festivals are a great way to promote the attainment of a global goal. Grassroots football has taken the initiative and introduced festivals to enable players and fans interact. Coaches are also being trained to teach the players on the basics of the game. Acting as both mentors and teachers, the coaches are sustaining the passion in the game and its continuity.

Local Support For Grassroots Football:
A plethora of football Academies and grassroots initiative abound in Nigeria and could deliver more if the private support for it is adequate. Some Organised Academies do enjoy support from same organisations but as CSR projects,as against new global trend where such initiatives are part of strategy for bussiness promotion and complimentary marketing communications vehicle to orthodox advertising.
It becomes imperative for new measures and initiatives to be adopted to support grassroots football which is the talent incubator for all the stars on parade for the Super Eagles so generously supported by companies and organisations in the run-up to Russia 2018 and the World Cup itself.