Youth Football Initiative Records Milestone At Kids Soccer League 2026 Screening

Youth Football Initiative Records Milestone At Kids Soccer League 2026 Screening

By Niyi Busari 

The build-up to the 2026 edition of the Kids Soccer League (KSL) gathered momentum on Saturday with a successful player screening exercise held at Eden Gardens in Utako, Abuja, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The event attracted five participating teams and served as an early assessment platform for young footballers preparing for the forthcoming league season. The screening was supervised by former Nigeria U-20 coach, Bala Nikyu, alongside the Chairman of the FCT Coaches Association, Bartholomew David, whose presence added technical oversight and credibility to the exercise.

Young players seized the opportunity to display their skills and potential as coaches and officials evaluated talents expected to feature prominently when the league kicks off later in the year.

Although a few registered teams were unable to attend the session, league organizers confirmed that additional screening opportunities would be arranged to ensure all participating sides are fully accommodated.

One of the highlights of the event came through the support of Gospel Promoters’ General Manager, Abraham, who donated three footballs to each participating team. The gesture was widely applauded by players, coaches, and organizers, who described it as a meaningful contribution toward grassroots football development and team preparation.

Founder of the Kids Soccer League initiative, Coach Femi Ajilore, expressed satisfaction with the steady growth of the program since its launch five years ago. According to him, the league was established to provide a structured pathway for youth football development in the Federal Capital Territory.

The former Super Eagles midfielder, Ajilore noted that the initiative continues to attract growing interest from stakeholders, sponsors, and media organizations. Coverage of the screening exercise by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and other sports media platforms further underscored the league’s expanding profile.

“The enthusiasm from the children and the commitment from coaches and partners show that grassroots football initiatives like this are making a difference,” Ajilore said. “We are confident that this year’s edition will be even more impactful.”

Organizers also reaffirmed their readiness to collaborate with individuals and organizations interested in supporting youth sports, emphasizing that partnerships remain critical to nurturing the next generation of football talents in Nigeria.

With preparations intensifying, focus now shifts to the official kickoff of the 2026 Kids Soccer League season, as teams and young players look forward to what promises to be another exciting chapter in grassroots football development.