C'River Plans Football Talent Scheme to Link Young Players With Foreign Clubs
By Benjamin GBOR
The Cross River State Government is set to launch a football talent development programme aimed at discovering promising young players and creating opportunities for them to join professional clubs abroad.
The Chairman of the Cross River State Youth Empowerment Scheme, Kalita Aruku, disclosed this in Calabar on Thursday.
Aruku said the programme would provide a structured pathway for talented footballers to move from grassroots football to professional careers.
He said the initiative would bring together experienced coaches, professional scouts and established footballers to search for talents across the state.
According to him, players would be identified through organised competitions and other grassroots football activities.
Aruku explained that those who demonstrate the ability to secure contracts with foreign clubs would be supported financially to enable them pursue the opportunities.
He added that the state government would work with relevant partners and enter into agreements to ensure the programme remained sustainable.
The chairman also said arrangements would be put in place to manage returns from players who eventually become successful professional footballers.
He said the initiative was expected to strengthen sports development, create sustainable career opportunities for youths and produce players capable of representing Cross River and Nigeria at national and international competitions.
