In its bid to develop Bayelsa State football coaches, the state Football Association has sent four coaches on a coaching course at the National Institute of Sports (NIS) in Lagos.
The state F.A. particularly targeted grassroots coaches as part of its effort to develop grassroots football and expand the net from where budding talents can be discovered.
The idea of sending the coaches on the coaching course is to adequately prepare them to compete favourably with their peers within and outside the state.
In a statement signed by its secretary, Diseye Nwankwe, the state Football Association said, "The Bayelsa State Football Association has sent four promising grassroots coaches to the National Institute of Sports (NIS) Lagos for coaching courses in National Diploma.
"The idea of sending the coaches to the National Institute of Sports was for young Bayelsa coaches to compete favourably with their peers within and outside the state".
The statement further said the association is committed to enabling grassroots football coaches in the state to acquire the basic certificate in coaching as well as equipping them with modern coaching techniques in order to impact skills in their respective teams during tournaments.
The state F.A. gave the names of the four benefitting coaches as Donbai Emmanuel of Donbai United Football Academy, Edike Dift Sinikumor of Dream Boys Football Academy, Freeborn Mere of Hope Alive FC, Otuoke and Ugbana Wole Isaac who handles FC Silina.
The statement further explained that the four benefitting coaches are upcoming gaffers who have over the years shown character and dedication during competitions in the state, adding that the training at NIS would give them more exposure.
According to the statement, this is the second time that the Barr. Poubeni Ogun-led FA would be enrolling coaches at the National Institute of Sports (NIS).
The F.A. says it is leaving nothing to chance to ensure that the state coaches, and particularly the four selected for the coaching course at the NIS, excel in their careers.
The state F.A. through the statement, urged the coaches to work hard to give Bayelsa State a good representation at the course. The statement further said that the F.A. is confident that the coaches would come out with flying colours in the programme.
Reacting to the development, one of the selected coaches, Emmanuel Donbai said he is excited and equally honoured to be among the chosen four, pointing out that he is not the best but was fortunate to be selected. He commended the leadership of the state F.A. for considereing them worthy to be sent on the coaching ccourse.
Another of the coaches, Edike Dift Sinitonkumor of Dream Boys Football Academy of Odi said, "We are grateful to the state F.A. Chairman, Barr. Poubeni Ogun for his magnanimity in sponsoring coaches on training. This is not the first time the F.A. is doing this. We are very appreciative. However, we wish to appeal to the state government and other well-meaning Bayelsans to come to our assistance because the burden is much for the state F.A. alone to bear. There is school fees to be paid, books and handouts as well as feeding. We shall appreciate assistance from any quarters".
Also commenting on the development, a sports administrator, Ebbyzymore Numa said, "This remarkable gesture is a testament to the Chairman's dedication to empowering young Bayelsa coaches with modern techniques and skills.
"The impact of this initiative will be felt far beyond the football pitch. By investing in the development of young coaches, the Bayelsa State FA is helping to build a stronger, more resilient community. These coaches will go on to inspire and mentor countless young players, passing on the skills and knowledge they have gained.
"We salute the Bayelsa State FA Chairman for his kindness, foresight, and tireless efforts to promote football development in the state".
