The Central Organizing Committee (COC) of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, otherwise known as the Prosperity Cup, says it is set to flag off the 5th edition of the Governor Douye Diri International Scouting Programme and Coaching Clinic for coaches participating in the ongoing competition.
The scouting event sponsored by the organisers of Nigeria’s largest Grassroot Football Tournament is in collaboration with Tristone Football Club, OTP Finland, and Red Sapphire
According to a statement by Mr Ono K. Akpe, Director General, and Mr Perala Aboro, the Tournament Director/Head Scouting, the international coaching clinic which follows the recently organized refresher course for referees is in line with Governor Douye Diri’s commitment to enhancing the capacity, skills, knowledge and empowerment of Bayelsans through strategic capacity building programmes.
The four-day programme will see foreign experts visit Bayelsa and impact knowledge of new coaching techniques to the grassroot coaches through comprehensive coaching courses, that will equip them with advanced techniques and strategies on how to train, nurture and develop young athletes to stardom.
The statement noted that resource persons will be led by Coach Glenn Stahl of Sweden, Hakan Uyanmis, football agent and CEO, and H-Sports management agency of Turkey. Other resource persons include: Mindaugas Malinauskas (Lithuania) a retired goalkeeper and current goalkeeper’s Coach in Lithuania; Augustine Jibrin (Finland/Nigeria), Head Coach OTP United; Kestutis Petkus, Head Coach FK Babrungas Plunges (Lithuania); Ahmet Ozein, Agent Choil (Turkey); Hilary Azudo, Sporting Director OTP Finland; Peter Nieketen Ex-international and UEFA B Coach, Simas Kumza Sporting Director FK Babrugas Plug, Lithuania and the Coordinator of the programme Kelvin Etemike of Tristone.
A total of 50 coaches are expected to participate in the programme and due to the need to develop our grassroot coaches, team coaches that qualified for the Round of 32 will be sponsored by the tournament organisers as well as four state coaches and four female coaches, totaling forty coaches (40 coaches) and 10 external coaches.
However, other coaches, especially coaches from outside Bayelsa State who are interested in participating in the scouting programme and coaching clinic, are expected to pay a token of N20,000 only as course and registration fee.
The DG, in the statement, therefore called on coaches interested in participating in the coaching clinic slated for June 30th – July 3rd to get their registration forms through Dr Akpofini Odogu- 08065337798, Mr. Patrick – 07013165085 and Mrs Blessing – 07063485003.
He said the deadline for registration is Monday, 24th June 2024.
The statement concluded by notifying coaches that there is limited number of spaces available, so it will strictly be on ‘first come first serve basis’ calling on interested teams to parade exceptional and talented players within the ages of 18-20years.
Mr Akpe encouraged coaches and talented footballers in Bayelsa to take advantage of this once in a life time opportunity that can serve as a pedestal to achieving their dreams, boost their careers and eventually take them to the international stage.
He concluded by thanking the Games Master General of Bayelsa State, Governor Douye Diri, for his positive impact on the youths of Bayelsa through sports development.
