The FC Barcelona/Prosperity Cup International Coaching Clinic has commenced in Yenagoa, with a call on football managers to harness the revenue-generating potential of the sport.
Nimibofa Ayawei, Secretary to the Bayelsa Government, made the call at the opening of the clinic on Tuesday, urging football administrators in Bayelsa to pay closer attention to details and explore the business opportunities inherent in football and sports generally.
Ayawei also advised grassroots coaches to be diligent and patient in learning from the FC Barcelona officials, noting that the programme would have a positive impact on them when the competition begins.
In his remarks, the Regional Head of Premium Trust Bank in Yenagoa, Danjuma Omeje, said the bank would continue to prioritise sports development in the state.
Omeje said the bank had collaborated with the organisers of the competition over the past three years, as the bank donated a new coaster bus to Bayelsa Queens last year.
He assured that the bank would sustain its partnership with the organisers of the Prosperity Cup to promote football development in the state.
Earlier, the Director-General of the tournament, Ono Akpe, said the programme was designed to improve the skills of grassroots coaches in Bayelsa.
Akpe noted that continuous training of grassroots coaches was already contributing to the growth of football in the state, and commended the state governor for his investment in sports development.
He also appreciated the sponsors for their sustained support of the tournament.
Also speaking, Bernat Villa-Gorriz, Team Lead of the FC Barcelona delegation, expressed satisfaction with the organisation of the programme, particularly the enthusiasm shown by the coaches.
He said his aspiration was to see the participants attain the peak of their coaching careers.
Sylvester Okonkwo of Whiz-Kid Ventures, Netherlands, who facilitated the FC Barcelona/Prosperity Cup partnership, said the objective of the clinic was to develop grassroots coaches using the FC Barcelona methodology and style of play.
Two participants, Anthony Fouye, Chairman of the Bayelsa Football Coaches Association, and Seinitonkumo Edike of FC California, Odi, commended the organisers for the initiative, noting that the programme was already reflecting positively on the performance of grassroots coaches.
themomentng reports that the clinic is part of efforts to strengthen football development at the grassroots in Bayelsa.
