The Nigeria Players Union, National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers, NANPF, has revealed plans to float an academy to groom young players, Silvernews.com.ng reports.
A statement by Austn Popo, Executive Secretary said the union is “set to drive the Development of upcoming Professional Footballers, a major aspect of her core mandate amongst others which includes Players Welfare and Professionalism.
“In its determination to re-invent the training and development of upcoming Professional Footballers under its Semi – Professional Footballers membership scheme, the NANPF Academy Which shall be established Nation wide, shall serve as a most veritable platform for recruiting and developing young talented players from age 8 – 16 years.
“It is not just about producing future players, but those with a clear understanding of their purpose as players, and persons for life, because “Behind every player is a man or woman, a family, and a life” including the capacity to pursue a career in other related industry in case if professional Football does not materialise as a career.
“The NANPF Academy brings with it great benefits of establishing an organized and transparent structure and process of School Boys/Girls players transition from school to professional Football without losing his/her academics.
“Outstanding trainees from the Academy network nation wide shall be be offered a chance to be recruited into the NANPF Center of Excellence for possible transfer to Professional Football clubs within and outside the country.
“The trainees shall be exposed to the fundamentals of the aims and objectives of Training and inform of health and safety regulations. It will also introduce the upcoming Professional Footballers to the core values, benefits and obligations of being a member of the players Union, as well as explain the working practices of the Football industry and what it takes in the day to day workings of the system.
“Preparations are already on top gear to kick start the first phase of the project as a week end Programs in Lagos as soon as possible.”
