Fifteen teams will battle defending champions Blessed Star for the title at the 3rd Prince Gas Under-10 championship for male grassroot football teams in Lagos.
The tournament which will consist of Four Groups with four teams each, kicks off on February 13.
Head of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and Vice-Chairman, Alimosho Grassroots Football Association, Prince Gbadamosi Adebola Sulaimon informed that this year’s edition of the U-10 tourney will be different in terms of player’s screening, officiating and logistics, as they’ll provide accommodation to teams who are based outside Lagos.
Three centres Igando, Aboru (both in Lagos) and Itele in Ogun State will host the football fiesta. Itele is expected to host Ade Ade FC, Royal Warriors, Chosen FC and Galaxy FC while B United FC, Fantastic FC, Marvelous FA, and Peerless will play their games in Aboru.
Igando will host, Sharp Striker FC, Sammy FA, GBN FC, Future Star, All Star FC, Cwebic FC, Blessed Star and Samjason Feeders.
In a bid to curb age-cheats, the LOC has in plan to use not just weight of players to justify who should take part in the Under-10 tournament, as players will be required to bring to screening photocopies of their birth certificate.
According to Prince GAS, ” We are requesting that players of participanting teams come with their birth certificate because at times players of 14 years would weigh 36 kg, while some 10 or 11-years-old would weigh less.
“A lot of argument comes up when we take this step, but am assuring all the teams that the screening will be handled by the LOC in other to avoid doubts as all the teams have equal rights but the players weight must not exceed 40kg while goalkeeper must not exceed 44kg.
“As a way to reducing the financial burden on teams, the LOC will also provide free accommodation for teams based outside Lagos State.
“This year’s finalists will win size trophies, medals and hansome cash prizes. There are also individual awards for most valuable player, highest goal scorer, best goalkeeper and of course best coach.
“For safety of these kids, the LOC will strictly sanction teams whose players or coaches fail to adhere to the rules of the game and who break Covid-19 protocol. So every player is expected to wear a mask before and after matches.
In terms of financial support, Prince GAS hinted that: “We are yet to receive support from any corporate body except from private individuals like Elder David Akere and Dr Oluwasegun Oyeleye, Managing Director of Elcrystar Group of School who have made pledges towards a successful hosting of the tournament.”
