A total of 35 Nigerians, including community-based coaches, instructors as well as Physical and Health Education (PHE) teachers have participated in the phase II of the Premier Skills training project sponsored by the Premier League and the British Council.
At the Premier Skills Football Festival in Lekki, Lagos, the Premier League Coach Educator, Graham Robinson, said a total of 35 coaches, especially from Lagos and Kano States participated in the week-long training programme.
“Throughout the week, the trainees received expert training from the qualified Premier League Educator and the UK Club coach, giving them the skills and supports to develop their own community football projects. The trained coaches will also engage with young people in their local communities who would normally have access to similar opportunities,” Graham said.
Graham, who was assisted by Jack Day, a Football Development Officer with the Stoke City Football Club, also said the Premier Skills which has been running in Nigeria since August 2012, has built upon a strong partnership with the Lagos State Football Association and the successful delivery of a number of courses in Lagos.
He added that the Premier Skills has now widened its partners’ engagement and ministry networks to train 271 coaches and referees, 77 in the last year and reach over 22,902 young people.
Similarly, the Country Director, British Council, Lucy Pearson noted that the idea behind the partnership that gave birth to Premier Skills is aimed at improving child protection, development, equality, and inclusion.
A participant from Lagos State, Adenike Adegoke said her participation has helped her on how to transfer knowledge in the classrooms to the field and the field to the classrooms. She said she has also been imbued with knowledge and skills of how to use lots of fun and less of harshness to relate to her players.
Also, Shuaibu Muhammed Kurawa from Kano State said the state which has always been left behind in female football now has an opportunity.
