March 10, (THEWILL) – The National Institute of Sports (NIS), Surulere, Lagos, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Benue State Football Association (BSFA) to train 100 grassroots coaches in Makurdi, the state capital.
This initiative is a major step toward enhancing the technical capacity of football coaches in the state, ensuring that young talents receive quality training from well-equipped professionals.
The Chairman of Benue State Football Association, Barr. Paul Edeh, noted that the move is a demonstration of commitment to the development of football at the grassroots level, pledging to cover 40% of the training fees for the selected coaches.
According to him, the partnership with NIS, a premier institution in sports education and training in Nigeria, is expected to provide the participating coaches with modern coaching techniques, tactical knowledge, and best practices that align with global football standards.
“This will, in turn, impact grassroots football development in Benue State, creating a stronger foundation for future stars”, he stated.
The BSFA Chairman expressed his delight at the collaboration, noting that the initiative aligns with his administration’s vision of transforming football in Benue.
“This partnership with NIS is a golden opportunity for our grassroots coaches to upgrade their skills and improve the quality of football development in Benue State. By investing in our coaches, we are investing in the future of our young talents”, he said.
One of the stakeholders described the MOU as a significant step in professionalising grassroots coaching in the state, commending Edeh and his administration for their unwavering commitment to football growth, emphasising that such an initiative will have a lasting impact on the game.
With the development, the selection process is expected to commence in Makurdi in the coming months to boost football activity in the state.
