07/09/2024
Yesterday, the Executive Committee of the Lagos State Chapter of the Association of Proprietors of Football Academies in Nigeria (APFAN) paid a scheduled visit to the Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA)
The Association led by it's Chairman, Prince Alade were apt with their presentation on partnership and support from the LSFA.
Prince Alade sought the support of the FA on the areas of recognition and affiliation while also congratulating Alhaji Liameed Gafar on his victory as the LSFA Chairman.
Vice Chairman of the LSFA, Mr. Adedotun Coker spoke on Affiliation which is very key. On support from the FA he stated that the State FA needs to categorize the academies in line with NFF's programme of streamlining academies in Nigeria.
DC as he is fondly called, pleaded on APFAN to do the cleansing in-house without politics before going through the DFAs and the FA.
He also highlighted that APFAN coaches should also follow due process in getting trained and acquiring the licenses.
Responding, Prince Alade acknowledged the fact that before they employ coaches, they will ensure they are licensed from the State; while also promising that the Association will take advantage of the ongoing coaches' programme between the National Institute of Sports (NIS) and the LSFA to get more academy coaches certified.
The FA Boss, Liameed advised that the academies should always have a registration form for their players since FIFA recognises such registration from age 12.
He craved the indulgence of APFAN to ensure they are part of the Annual General Assembly of the LSFA on the 21st September, 2024 to gain more insight into the activities of the FA.
Hinting more on getting the FIFA training compensation for players, he said, "Loosing of players is our fault because we don't give them contracts."
"From age 12, give the players registration form and from age 16 give him/her contract to sign as that will ease the burden being faced by academies and coaches" he advised.
"The LSFA needs to earn the trust of the academies by adding values. The onus lies on the association to make things work" he posited.