Players Made in Anambra’ will soon be supply to national teams and clubs – Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah
Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, Chairman of Anambra State Football Association, has reiterated the commitment of his Executive Committee to revolutionise football in the state , using the ‘Football Made in Anambra’ programme.He said Anambra state is overflowing with football talents waiting to be harnessed, adding that the State FA is very focused in ensuring that Anambra state becomes a harvesting ground for players into clubs and the national teams.
He said: “In the first place, the Anambra State FA Executive Committee is composed of people with passion for the game. It is that passion that has given birth to the unique programmes, including the Football Made in Anambra”.
Explaining further, he said the ‘Football Made in Anambra’ will evolve through the grassroots; and will be driven by a pragmatic and realistic strategic plan, with the theme: “1 family-1 footballer” , will usher in a new dawn in football development and management in the state.
“1 family-1 footballer” which is the theme of the programme aims to identify and develop one footballer from every family in a fiesta that will be hosted in every community for a period of two weeks with lots of giveaway prizes including over 50,000 branded footballs and jerseys for participants and their families. The programme is billed to attract legends from within and outside the shores of Nigeria as the association looks to completely change the face of football in Anambra state.
Dr. Ubah pointed out that the massive Games village coming up in Nnewi with over six football pitches will be a turning point towards attaining the glory that Anambra lost over the years. He further explained that the use of the pitches will be split into three categories, two pitches for children between the ages of 6 and 12, two other pitches for children/youths between the ages of 13 and 20 and the last two pitches will be used to harness amateur footballers.
According to him, all these programmes will be complemented by a Football Academy and School which would kick off very soon. On a lighter note, Dr. Ubah said that under his leadership, Anambra state stands a great chance of producing at least five Messis and Ronaldos within the next five years. He further declared that his target is to ensure that football tourism grows to be the biggest contributor to Anambra State’s Internally Generated Revenue.
It was gathered that modalities for its flagship programme ‘Football Made in Anambra’ would be unveiled during a World Press Conference and Facility Tour of the Games Village which will take place in the coming weeks.
Dr. Ubah expressed gratitude to the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano for his promise and determination to support the association and its programmes.“A journey of a million miles starts with one step and that visionary step we have taken”, Dr. Ubah said.