The Obijackson Foundation in Anambra State has kicked off an age grade football scheme aimed to promote the game in the state. The scheme, launched at the Women Development Centre, Awka, targets football enthusiasts within the 10 to 17 years age bracket.

Addressing principals of both private and public secondary schools in the state, the manager of Obijackson Foundation, Mr James Akporere, called on them to register for the tournament, which has been scheduled to take off later this year.

Nine venues, in various parts of the state, have been picked for the exercise. They include Imeobi Stadium, Onitsha; Gabros Stadium, Nnewi; Neros Stadium, Nanka; St Mary’s Secondary School field, Ifitedunu; Ekwulobia Stadium, Aguata; St Peter’s Stadium, Okija; Boys’ Secondary School, Ogidi; Civic Centre, Eziowele and Government Secondary School, Ajali.

Akporere said winner of this year’s contest would go home with N2 million, while the second and third place runners’ up would get N1.5 million and N1 million respectively.

He added that the highest goal scorer will get N50,000; the best behaved team, N10,000; best goalkeeper, N50,000 and most valuable player, N50,000.

The manager said that the winning school would be adopted and equipped by the Foundation, noting that players who perform well in academics would be offered three-year scholarship. He said the main objective of the drive was to offer about 600 scholarships within the 10-year period the scheme will last, in addition to raising soccer stars for the country.

“We want to create opportunity for young stars to be discovered. The promoter of the foundation, Obijackson, is of the view that education is an investment which can be acquired through sports.”