Confederation of African Football has extended its School Football Development Initiative to Lagos State, with Epe Grammar School selected as one of the beneficiaries of the continental programme.
Epe Insights reports that the initiative aims to promote grassroots football development by providing students with resources, training opportunities, and exposure needed to nurture young talents in the sport.
The programme forms part of CAF’s broader strategy to strengthen football development across Africa by identifying and supporting young players at the school level.
Through the initiative, selected schools are expected to receive football equipment, technical support, and access to development opportunities that will enhance sports participation among students.
The selection of Epe Grammar School has been widely welcomed by education and sports stakeholders in the Epe community.
Officials say the development is expected to encourage greater participation in football among students while promoting sportsmanship and teamwork.
The Lagos State Football Association played a key role in the selection process by identifying suitable schools across the state for inclusion in the programme.
The association’s efforts helped ensure that deserving schools with strong potential for sports development were chosen.
Assistant Secretary of the association, Kayode Okuneye, was commended for his role in supporting the successful implementation of the initiative.
Also praised for his contribution was the Chairman of the Epe Divisional Football Association, Adekoya.
Stakeholders acknowledged their commitment to grassroots football development in the Epe division.
Speaking on the development, the principal of the school, Ajayi Sulaiman, expressed appreciation to CAF and the Nigeria Football Federation for selecting the institution.
He described the opportunity as a major boost for sports development within the school community.
Sulaiman noted that the programme will help students develop their football talents while balancing their academic responsibilities.
The principal also appreciated the Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association, Gafar Liameed, for supporting the inclusion of the school in the programme.
According to him, the initiative will motivate students to take sports more seriously while encouraging discipline and teamwork.
Education stakeholders say the programme aligns with broader efforts to integrate sports development into the school system.
They believe that early exposure to structured football training will help identify talented players who may represent the state and country in the future.
Community members in Epe have also welcomed the development, noting that it provides young people with constructive opportunities to pursue their sporting ambitions.
Many residents believe the initiative will inspire students to develop interest in football and other sporting activities.
The programme is expected to strengthen grassroots football development while nurturing the next generation of African football stars.
For students of Epe Grammar School, the inclusion in CAF’s initiative represents a significant step toward achieving greater opportunities in sports.
