FC Barcelona/Prosperity Cup Coaching Clinic Kicks Off in Yenagoa
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.
The Secretary to the Bayelsa State Government, Nimibofa Ayawei, made the call at the opening ceremony on Tuesday.
Ayawei urged football administrators in the state to pay closer attention to details and explore the business opportunities inherent in football and sports generally.
He advised grassroots coaches to be diligent and patient while learning from officials of FC Barcelona.
According to him, the programme will positively impact the coaches ahead of the competition.
The Regional Head of Premium Trust Bank in Yenagoa, Danjuma Omeje, said the bank would continue to prioritise sports development in the state.
Omeje noted that the bank had partnered with the organisers of the competition over the past three years.
He added that the bank donated a new coaster bus to Bayelsa Queens last year and would sustain its support for the Prosperity Cup.
Earlier, the Director-General of the tournament, Ono Akpe, said the clinic was designed to improve the skills of grassroots coaches in Bayelsa.
Akpe commended the state governor for his investment in sports development and appreciated sponsors for their continued support.
Also speaking, Bernat Villa-Gorriz, Team Lead of the FC Barcelona delegation, expressed satisfaction with the organisation of the programme.
He said he was impressed by the enthusiasm shown by the coaches and hoped participants would reach the peak of their careers.
Sylvester Okonkwo of Whiz-Kid Ventures, Netherlands, who facilitated the partnership, said the clinic aimed to develop grassroots coaches using the FC Barcelona methodology and style of play.
Two participants, Anthony Fouye and Seinitonkumo Edike, commended the organisers, noting that the programme was already impacting grassroots coaching performance in the state.
