The Bayelsa Starlets Academy has received a boost after officials of Spanish football club FC Barcelona praised the state government’s efforts to provide facilities and improve conditions for the young players.
The officials gave the commendation on Friday during a three-day visit to assess the Onopa facility behind Government House in Yenagoa, which coincided with activities marking the 30th anniversary of Bayelsa’s creation.
The Barcelona delegation particularly praised the state government for providing facilities aimed at ensuring the comfort and welfare of players at the academy.
The officials stressed that adequate welfare was important to the player performance, development and overall progress Hi FC Barcelona Technical Director for Europe and Africa, expressed satisfaction with the temporary camp after inspecting the facility.
Gorriz said he was impressed by the accommodation and other facilities, describing them as evidence of the government’s commitment to the partnership agreement signed in May.
He said the environment was conducive and spacious enough to support the operations of a football academy.
Gorriz said the accommodation would help the players build strong relationships while allowing them to combine their football development with education.
The technical director also praised the Starlets management for the quality of football displayed in two matches he watched.
He said the team had recorded significant improvement since his previous visit.
Gorriz further commended the Director-General of the Prosperity Cup and his team for their efforts to help the young players develop their abilities and achieve their potential.
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He said the academy had also created a means of livelihood for the players.
Sylvester Okonkwo of Whiz-Kid Ventures, Netherlands, who brokered the partnership between FC Barcelona and the Bayelsa Government, said the temporary structure demonstrated the state’s commitment to establishing the academy.
Okonkwo said the project was being implemented in line with the MoU between FC Barcelona and the Bayelsa Government.
Ono Akpe, Director-General of the Prosperity Cup, also commended Gov. Douye Diri, his deputy, Peter Akpe, and the Commissioner for Sports Development, Daniel Igali, for their support for the academy.
Akpe said the officials had provided facilities and funding for the team since the academy began operations.
He said the Starlets management assembled a team from the eighth season of the Prosperity Cup shortly after the signing of the MoU.
Akpe said a team of coaches led by former international footballer Edema Fuludu conducted the selection exercise.
Akpe said the selection process was yielding results, with the team emerging as champions of the N LO Youth League held in Yenagoa.
He added that the players had remained in camp since winning the competition as they continued preparations for the N-Youth League.
NAN
