By Damiete Braide
Under the leadership of CEO Peter Azunanaya Okereke, Paddysco Sports has steadily emerged as a beacon for youth sports development in Nigeria.
At its heart is Paddysco Academy, where children from as young as three are taught the art and discipline of football. Encompassing training, scouting, player development, and facility expansion, Paddysco’s vision is comprehensive and determined.
The academy recently held its annual 2024 Sports Fiesta and Awards at City Pride School, Golden Estate, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos, a celebration designed to showcase the year’s progress to parents and supporters.
This event offers families a unique opportunity to witness firsthand the hard work and growth of their children in a professional training environment.
Okereke emphasizes that the academy’s mission is rooted in long-term development. By starting young, they aim to equip children with a strong foundation in football, ensuring that by age 10, participants have a deep understanding of the game.
Paddysco’s approach recognizes the challenges many Nigerian families face, where education often takes precedence over sports due to concerns about job security. But Okereke is committed to providing a balanced pathway for young players. Through partnerships with countries like Finland, Paddysco offers students opportunities to pursue both football and education abroad, allowing them to develop their athletic skills while keeping up with their studies.
This strategy has proven popular; the academy has grown from 70 children last year to over 200 this season. Parents like Ahmed Shittien value this early approach to talent development, noting that unlike previous generations, today’s youth have access to structured training that hones their abilities. Many parents recognize the academy as an environment where children’s dreams are nurtured by professionals committed to both sports and academics.
Udeaga Chuks Michael, another parent, sees the academy as a launching pad, providing children with early exposure to professional sports training, something rarely accessible in Nigeria. He believes that if the government collaborates with private institutions like Paddysco, youth athletes could realize their potential at a young age, competing on a global stage sooner and achieving peak performance.
For young players like Ginika Nwakachukwu, Paddysco is more than just an academy; it’s a place that helps balance their academic ambitions with their passion for football. “We’ve learned so much from the coaches here,” Ginika shared. “I feel prepared to become a future star.”
Some of the children rewarded for their brilliant performances includes Ude Enyinnaya (Best Goalkeeper), Ositadinma Christabel Chimamanda ( Most Valuable Player), Nwafor Peniel ( Most Improved Dancer) Omojola Johanna ( Most Flexible Dancer) of the year respectively.
