Abuja – The Abuja Kid Soccer League is gearing up for its much-anticipated return, with preparations well underway for the upcoming season. As part of the pre-league activities, participating academies presented their young talents for mandatory screening exercises, ensuring eligibility and fairness in the competition.

Speaking at the screening venue, Femi Ajilore, former Nigerian international and chief organizer of the event, emphasized the importance of the screening process. “This is the 4th edition of the Kid Soccer League. Our aim is to catch them young and promote grassroots football development. The screening ensures that only eligible players participate in the league,” Ajilore told The Ajasanews.

The event attracted significant attention with notable football legends Emmanuel Babayaro and Coach Patrick, the National U-15 head coach, present to oversee the screening. Ajilore expressed his satisfaction with the turnout, revealing that eight to nine teams participated in the screening process. However, only eight teams were selected for this year’s edition to ensure effective management and competition.

“The league is scheduled to commence on the last weekend of February. Fixtures will be released this week, allowing teams to prepare for their opponents. This edition promises to be exciting, with enhanced media coverage, including TV interviews for standout players. This exposure aims to track their development and help them grow in their football careers,” Ajilore added.

Meanwhile, Falusi Oladapo, a Director at Ajilore Football Academy, expressed high hopes for his academy’s performance. “Our goal is to see our grade levels come first and win the trophy. We’ve invested significantly in training and talent development, and we want to showcase our star players,” he stated.

Oladapo also highlighted the academy’s efforts to maintain strong relationships with parents, acknowledging the challenges they face in balancing academics and football training. “We have an effective feedback mechanism to engage and encourage parents. We emphasize the importance of sacrifice for their children’s development, not just in training but in competitions like this,” he explained.

With the screening successfully concluded and excitement building, the 2025 edition of the Abuja Kid Soccer League promises to be a thrilling showcase of young footballing talent.