The Cross River State Government is set to introduce a new football talent-hunt programme aimed at discovering, developing and supporting young footballers with the potential to pursue professional careers locally and abroad.
The programme was disclosed in Calabar by the Chairman of the Cross River State Youth Empowerment Scheme, Kalita Aruku.
According to Aruku, the initiative will create a pathway for talented young players to move from grassroots football to professional clubs outside Nigeria.
He said established footballers, experienced coaches and professional scouts would be invited to the state to identify promising talents through organised competitions and other grassroots football activities.
Young players who are considered good enough to secure professional opportunities abroad would also receive financial assistance to enable them take up such opportunities.
The state government, he added, would work with relevant partners to ensure the programme remains sustainable, while mechanisms would be put in place to manage returns from players who eventually become successful professionals.
Aruku described the initiative as an unprecedented youth empowerment programme, saying it could open a new chapter for football development in Cross River.
He expressed optimism that the programme would help uncover footballers capable of representing Cross River State and Nigeria at national and international levels.
For a state with several grassroots football academies and young players seeking opportunities, the proposed programme could provide a more structured route for discovering and developing local talents.
The initiative is also expected to use football not only as a sporting activity but as a means of creating sustainable career opportunities for young people across Cross River.
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