By Silvernews
The TRUST FC “whole person” development programme will hold today at Uzi Guest House, bringing together football academies across Imo State for a transformative youth football development session.
The initiative, designed to strengthen grassroots football structures, is targeted at academy administrators, coaches and young players, with a focus on combining athletic excellence with education and personal development.
Built on three key pillars — Train, Upskill and Transition — the programme seeks to promote professional conduct, character development and sector knowledge among young footballers.
Participants will also receive guidance on dual-career planning, social media engagement, diversity and inclusion, and player welfare.
A central feature of the event is the assessment of players through a structured dual-career evaluation framework aimed at identifying complementary career pathways that align with individual interests, qualifications and the demands of competitive football.
The Transition component of the framework is expected to address long-term sustainability within academies by institutionalising career support systems, staff training and responsible player deselection management.
Organisers say today’s session in Owerri marks an important step in aligning football academy operations in Imo State with global best practices in youth player development.
Academies participating in the pilot phase are expected to benefit from structured player education, individual implementation plans, capacity building for technical staff and post-programme evaluation mechanisms to ensure continuous improvement.
Stakeholders have expressed optimism that the initiative will enhance the quality of youth football administration in the state while safeguarding the welfare and long-term prospects of young talents.
Meanwhile, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha, Commissioner for Sport Development in the State, on Monday received Dr. Ikechukwu Ejekwumadu in his office and pledged the Ministry’s support for the programme. He assured organisers that the Ministry would be represented by an official delegation at the workshop.
The programme is expected to conclude with collaborative discussions aimed at strengthening partnerships among football academies within Imo State.
