By Pamela Eboh
Anambra State is set to participate in the maiden edition of Beach soccer league with the first leg to be hosted in Kebbi State from March 10 to 13th.
This was disclosed by the Secretary, Anambra State Beach Soccer Association, Emmanuel Nsoedo during a press conference in Nnewi on Thursday.
He said that the team made up of 17 players have been in camp for 2 weeks in preparation for the tournament, saying that the second leg of the league would be hosted in Anambra State in May.
Nsoedo who spoke on behalf of the Chairman, Prof Victor Mmadubuko said that the team is not going to the tournament as a newbie, saying that it has won the confidence of the national association of the game to be earn the hosting right for the second leg.
According to him, hosting the second leg of the tournament in state will benefit transporters, food sellers, hoteliers, among others.
He said that though the team has been built on personal resources, that there are expectations government will partner with the Association at some point.
On why the team was formed, the secretary said, “It is aimed at discovering talents, developing them and taking the youths off social vices and also make money,”
While expressing optimism about the future of Beach Soccer in the state, he revealed plans to establish a local as encourage the formation of additional teams both male and female within the state.
Nsoedo further urged Sports Writers to promote the games so as to create more attention to it.
On his part, the captain of the team, Chinweze Gabriel promised that they will make the state proud at the competition.
Also the Chairman, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Anambra State chapter, Chimezie Anaso in a short speech gave assurance that the Beach Soccer sports will be given the milage it deserves to make it the flagship of sports in the state.
