On the auspicious occasion of the fifth year anniversary of Future Pillars Football Academy Mowe, Ogun State our correspondent had a chat with the Director Future Pillars Football Academy, Mowe, Ogun State Mr. Moses Matswamgbe where he chronicled the historical development of the academy.
He informed our correspondent that the activities of FUTURE PILLARS FOOTBALL ACADEMY MOWE dates back to the year 2019 when it was conceptualized.
In response to the need to reposition and re-strategize in conformity to global best practices, the Director said FUTURE PILLARS FOOTBALL ACADEMY MOWE sought for and got registered as a business name by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Abuja, Nigeria on the 8th day of July, 2020 with the number RC: 3125377.
To this effect, the academy celebrated its fifth year of establishment in June 2024.
Mr. Matswamgbe further said that the main aim of establishing Future Pillars Football Academy in the first place is to teach and improve the soccer skills of talented junior players from Mowe and its environ; as well as creating a two–stage sports training system targeted at young juniors (primary school-5-10 years) and juniors (secondary school -11-17 years).
While the main socio–educational aim is to support young player with a desirable set of values and create appropriate conditions for them to study after training.
He said the belief is that combining school education with sports training increases the effectiveness of soccer training and social integration.
The core objective of Future Pillars Football Academy right from inception was said to be to offer well organized football training sessions and develop the technical abilities of junior and young players through our programme which will eventually lead them to a successful football career.
However, Mr. Mastwamgbe said they recognize that many young players may not achieve this goal; but that; the academy will endeavor to improve every player’s technical ability.
Moreover the academy was said to have series of objectives from which every player will benefit from.
The specific objectives of the football academy include the following amongst others;
- To develop and improve the technical abilities of our players.
- To encourage them to lead a healthy lifestyle.
- To offer professional football training sessions, at the same time creating an experience our players can enjoy.
- To teach the values of practice, punctuality, good communication, manners, hard work, discipline, team work and setting goals for the future.
- We believe in our youngsters and we aim that with the help of our proactive coaches we will do what it takes to make our youngsters believe in their future too.
- To channel the energy of vulnerable junior players from the dangers of social vices to positive and productive attributes using football as a tool.
- To evolve role models by imparting leadership qualities and providing mentorship for our academy players.
- To identify and engage with new partners, businesses and organizations’ that can assists us in achieving our aims.
ACTIVITIES IN BRIEF
Total Competition Participation: 20
Total Matches Played: 141
Total Matches Won: 95 (67.40%)
Total Matches Drawn: 30 (21.30%)
Total Matches Lost: 16 (11.30%)
HIGH POINTS
Speaking further, Mr. Moses Matswamgbe highlighted some of the high points of the academy which include the following:
Eleven of our boys were selected to represent Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area at the maiden Egba Unity Cup 2022 in the U13 and U15 categories.
The U15 boys which had five of our boys eventually lifted the trophy by emerging champions while the U13 which had six of our boys came third in their category.
The competition was held at Asero Stadium, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
As a fallout from participating in the Egba Unity Cup 2022 Edition, two of our boys (Wisdom Joseph and Okoro Samuel) secured full scholarship to study and play football at the prestigious Baptist Boys High School, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The scholarship was granted to them by Nilayo Sports Management Company under their education and football initiative.
Six of our boys represented Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area at the 2022 and 2023 editions of Sir Kessinghton Adebutu U18 Competition for Ogun State. The competition took place at International Stadium, Sagamu, Ogun State.
One of our boys (Ebenezer Olayemi) was with Stormers Sports Club, Abeokuta in the recently concluded Nigerian National League football Season where he under-studied the senior players of the team in order to improve on his ability.
In conclusion, the director said that though it has not been all gains without pains, but this auspicious occasion was meant to be a time to take stock of their strength and weaknesses with a view to improve in the quest for making more impactful interventions in grassroots football development using Future Pillars Football Academy as a model.
