Grassroots Coaching Development Key to Football Growth — DG Ono Akpe

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----- As Prosperity Cup/FC Barcelona International Coaching Clinic Gets Underway In Yenagoa 

By Francis Joseph 

The Director General of the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament (Prosperity Cup) Mr. Ono Akpe has explained that grassroots coaching development is the key to football growth.

Mr Akpe who was speaking at the opening ceremony of the Prosperity Cup/ FC Barcelona international Coaching Clinic ahead of the 2026 Prosperity Cup explained that the main purpose of the programme is to enhance the competence of grassroots coaches across the state. He emphasized that football development must start from the foundation, where young talents are discovered and nurtured. According to him, equipping community coaches with modern training methods, tactical knowledge, and effective player management skills is crucial for sustainable growth. He described the initiative as a strategic step toward raising the overall standard of football in the state.
Mr. Akpe noted that the continuous training of grassroots coaches is already producing visible improvements in local competitions. He observed better tactical discipline, improved teamwork, and stronger technical ability among young players. He attributed this progress to the deliberate investment in coaching education, stressing that one well-trained coach can positively influence many players. 
In his view, strengthening coaches ultimately strengthens the entire football structure of the state.

The DG used the opportunity to express gratitude to the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, for his strong commitment to sports development, as well as to the sponsors for their consistent support. Mr. Akpe commended their contributions, noting that their partnership has played a vital role in sustaining the tournament’s vision. He affirmed that with continued government backing and corporate collaboration, football in the state will continue to thrive and reach greater heights.

‎Mr. Bernat Villa Gorriz, the Team Lead of the FC Barcelona delegation, asserted that he was pleased with the organization of the programme particularly the enthusiasm of the coaches, stressing that his dream was to see these coaches rise to the peak of their career.

Also speaking, Mr. Sylvester Okonkwo of Whiz-Kid Ventures, Netherlands, who brokered the FC Barcelona/Prosperity Cup partnership, stated that the programme was designed to equip grassroots coaches with the FC Barcelona philosophy, methodology, and distinctive style of play, with the aim of enhancing their technical and tactical approach to the game.

The Prosperity Cup/FC Barcelona International Coaching Clinic will run until Thursday 26th of February as build up to the commencement of the 2026 Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament (Prosperity Cup).

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