In a move aimed at bolstering grassroots football development in Akwa Ibom State, the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Football Association, Mr. Samuel Umoh, recently inspected the facilities of the newly established KMK Foundation Football Academy in Uyo, the state capital.
Accompanied by members of the state football association board and other stakeholders, Mr. Umoh was visibly impressed by the array of facilities at the academy, which includes spacious accommodation for players and officials, a well-equipped gym, conference room, medical department, media lounge, laundry unit, and technical units.
The FA chairman commended the management of KMK Foundation for establishing the academy, describing it as a welcome development that would help discover and nurture young football talents in the state. He reiterated the association’s commitment to grassroots football development and the discovery of young talents for the state and national teams.
“I want to thank you for forming a football academy in the state. This is indeed a welcome development, and it will help discover young football talents in Akwa Ibom State,” Mr. Umoh said.
While charging the owners of the foundation to uphold the tenets of football administration, Mr. Umoh also urged the players to seize the opportunity provided by the academy to excel in their football careers. He emphasized that discipline, commitment, and determination would be crucial in their quest for success in the football world.
In response, a member of the KMK Foundation board, Mr. Daniel Eyakenyin, commended the state FA for the visit and pledged the foundation’s commitment to working with the association to achieve its objectives. He also advised the players to give their best, promising them maximum support and encouragement in all aspects.
Earlier, the Director of KMK Foundation, Mr. Kingsley Morrison Ekpenyong, who led the FA team on the inspection tour, explained that the establishment of the academy was borne out of a commitment to developing young football stars in the state. He assured that everything necessary had been put in place to ensure the academy stands out as a hub for football development.
The captain of the academy, Saviour Okon, appreciated the association’s visit and promised that the players would be good ambassadors of the academy.
Comrade John Ekpenyong of GRASSOF, who was also present, expressed confidence that KMK Foundation would compete favorably with other teams in the state and assured that the academy would produce quality players in the future.
As a token of appreciation, a souvenir jersey of the foundation was presented to the FA chairman and other dignitaries.
The inspection visit is a clear indication of the Akwa Ibom State Football Association’s commitment to supporting grassroots football development and the discovery of young talents. With the establishment of KMK Foundation Football Academy, the state is poised to produce a new generation of football stars who will make their mark in the football world.
Editor Paul Akhagbemhe
