AWKA – The first grassroots soccer competition among Local Governments in Anambra will kick off next month, a representative of the organisers said on Monday in Awka.
Tagbo Okeke, Director of Hattricks Consults Ltd, one of the organisers, said that the competition, tagged “Knockout 2014”, would kick off in June.
Speaking at the draws supervised by officials of the Anambra State Football Association, he noted that it was designed to strengthen bonds among communities and councils in the state.
Okeke said that the tournament was designed to give talented and aspiring footballers from the state the opportunity to exhibit their potential.
“This competition will no doubt transform the lives of a large number of our youths economically and professionally.
“It will also add value to them by increasing their marketability and serve as models and mentors to the younger generation,” he said.
Ikechukwu Chukwunyere, the Special Assistant to Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra on Political Matters and Project Coordinator of the competition, described it as novel.
He said that a lot of innovation had gone into the arrangements for the soccer fiesta to help in deepening understanding among the youth and towns in the state.
Chukwunyere said that top teams at the competition would be rewarded, while special prizes would be awarded to top performers to be selected via Shot Messages Service (SMS) voting system.
The teams were drawn into seven groups of three teams each for the 21 LG’s in the state.
The competition is a joint venture between Hattricks Consults Ltd and One Goal Ventures. (NAN)
