Five Years of Growth: Femi Ajilore Football Clinic Strengthens Grassroots Football Pipeline

Five Years of Growth: Femi Ajilore Football Clinic Strengthens Grassroots Football Pipeline

By Admin 

The Femi Ajilore Football Clinic (FAFC) on Saturday marked its fifth anniversary and end-of-year celebration in Abuja, commemorating a milestone in its mission to shape young football talents and strengthen grassroots development in the Federal Capital Territory, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

What started “like a dream” has evolved into one of Abuja’s most respected youth-football programmes, founder and former Super Eagles midfielder Femi Ajilore said, expressing pride in the clinic’s progress and the promising careers emerging from its ranks.

Ajilore disclosed that the academy has already produced six to seven players now pursuing pathways abroad. Among them is a 13-year-old currently with Vancouver Whitecaps’ MLS U-13 team, and another 16-year-old in the UK who has attracted interest from Premier League sides Arsenal and West Ham after delivering standout performances at the Rayo Cup earlier this year.

“We started with a dream, and now the dream is becoming reality,” Ajilore said. “We are not where we want to be yet, but we are grateful for how far we’ve come. The journey continues.”

He underscored the importance of discipline, patience and education in youth development, insisting that Nigeria must strengthen its grassroots structures to produce elite-level footballers.

“If we neglect the grassroots, we can’t expect ready-made stars. It’s like education without primary school you can’t get a master’s degree. We must build from the foundation,” he said.

Partners Highlight Transformation Beyond Football

FAFC Director and partner Ambassador Falusi Akeem Oladapo described the five-year journey as “rewarding and purpose-fulfilling,” noting that the academy’s success extends far beyond sporting achievements.

“Some of these children came from the streets. Today we see transformation morally, socially, academically. It’s more than football; it’s family,” he said.

Another director, Ayodele Oluwafemi, praised the clinic’s resilience and its strong relationship with parents, emphasizing the significant behavioral and developmental improvements seen among the boys, aged 5 to 16.

“We’re raising disciplined, focused children. That’s the real victory,” he said.

Parents also shared their appreciation for the academy’s influence. CEO of TBS Entertainment and major supporter, Tope Brown whose son is enrolled in the clinic lauded FAFC’s structure and results.

“My son couldn’t even control a football before. Now he plays with confidence and passion. I’ve never seen an academy like this,” he said.

Brown called on government and private stakeholders to increase support for grassroots initiatives, noting the vast opportunities awaiting young talents globally.

“Football today is changing lives. Academies like this deserve support. They are raising the next generation,” he added.

While the day was celebratory, the overarching message was one of continued ambition. Ajilore reaffirmed the clinic’s long-term goal of producing players capable of representing top European clubs and Nigeria’s national teams.

With emerging prospects, strengthened structures and a community of committed supporters, the Femi Ajilore Football Clinic positions itself as a rising model for grassroots football development in Nigeria.