OLAGBEMIRO HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR STRONGER SPORTS INFRASTRUCTURE TO BOOST YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
By: Gyang Dakwo
In many parts of Nigeria, sports facilities are in need of attention, with some venues lacking modern equipment, regular maintenance, and the upgrades required to meet international standards. For the President of Youth Arise Football Academy, Mr. Olayinka Olagbemiro, strengthening these facilities is essential for unlocking the full potential of the nation’s young athletes.
“Without proper investment and regular maintenance, the dreams of many gifted youths will remain out of reach,” he said. “Sports infrastructure is a vital ingredient for all-round sports development, and Nigeria cannot expect to produce world-class athletes without it.”
Speaking during the academy’s 2025 summer football camp in Abuja, Jos, Port Harcourt, Lagos, Calabar, and Birnin Kebbi, Mr. Olagbemiro listed insufficient funding, out-dated facilities, bureaucratic delays, and limited access to quality venues as pressing challenges. He also noted that the absence of strong private sector participation and inefficient planning has slowed the pace of progress.
He urged the government to act decisively. “We need increased funding, stronger public-private partnerships, and anti-corruption measures that ensure money goes where it is needed. Maintenance must be a priority, and we must also train our sports administrators to manage facilities professionally,” he explained.
Mr. Olagbemiro pointed to examples from other countries, saying, “Look at how South Africa upgraded its sports facilities before the 2010 World Cup or how Morocco has invested in modern academies and pitches. These investments have not only improved player development but have also boosted community participation and created jobs. We can do the same here if we are serious.”
Although he stressed the urgent need for infrastructure reform, the YAFA President noted that his academy is pressing ahead with its grassroots and youth development work. The summer camp, he said, is giving children and young people a clear pathway in football and showing them how to be noticed by professional scouts. Players progress through three stages; the grassroots or foundation phase for ages six to twelve, the youth development phase for ages thirteen to eighteen, and the professional phase for elite players.
“Our vision is holistic,” he said. “We prepare our players to be mentally tough, to have resilience and confidence. We encourage education and personal development so they have opportunities outside football. We also teach lifestyle management, healthy eating, and proper recovery practices.”
He added that YAFA brings in a wide range of professionals like psychologists, lawyers, nutritionists, accountants, physical education experts, and football management instructors, to prepare players for life during and after their playing careers. “I encourage our players to look at football holistically, because this approach keeps them relevant in the football system and gives them a source of livelihood,” he explained.
Mr. Olagbemiro called on communities, schools, local businesses, and organisations to partner with sports programmes, noting that such cooperation has worked elsewhere. “Partnerships bring unity, they increase participation, and they make programmes sustainable,” he said.
His advice to young players is straightforward. “Have hope, keep working hard, and you will surely win,” he told them.
