50 Young Players Set For ABT Academy Scouting Programme In Kaduna

No fewer than 50 young footballers are expected to take part in the ABT Football Academy Scouting Programme in Kaduna, as the academy intensifies efforts to identify and develop promising grassroots talents.

The week-long scouting programme is scheduled to hold from August 17 to 23 at the ABT Football Academy on Sabon Gari Road, Kwoi, Kaduna.

President of the academy, Alhamdu Bala Gyet, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday that the initiative was designed to identify talented young players and provide them with pathways towards professional football.

He said the programme was open strictly to players aged 16 to 20, describing the period as crucial for identifying and nurturing players early in their careers.

“Age 16 to 20 is a critical period in football development, and we want to identify players early enough to support their growth,” Bala said.

The players will undergo professional assessment by renowned Argentine international scout Marcelo Houseman, alongside ABT Football Academy manager Alhamdu Fumom.

Bala said Houseman’s extensive international scouting experience would give the participants an opportunity to be assessed against global standards.

He described Houseman as a FIFA-licensed scout credited with discovering or contributing to the careers of several African players, including Super Eagles stars Odion Ighalo, Obinna Nsofor, Solomon Okoronkwo and Christian Ebere.

He added that Houseman had also played roles in the careers of South African football greats such as Lucas Radebe, Doctor Khumalo, John Moshoeu and Philemon Masinga, while recently securing the signature of highly-rated 18-year-old Ghanaian prospect Kelvin Nhrumah.

According to Bala, the scouting team will assess players on their technical ability, tactical awareness, athleticism, discipline, character and overall potential.

“Football is not only about skills. We are looking for players with discipline, intelligence, determination and the character required to succeed professionally,” he said.

He added that selected players would have opportunities to play for clubs in LaLiga, Spain, as the academy seeks to create international pathways for emerging talents.

“All positions, all talents and equal opportunities are our priorities. We want real futures for these young players,” Bala said.

He urged talented youngsters to take advantage of the programme, describing it as an opportunity to take an important step towards a professional football career.

“Be scouted, be discovered and be the next star. This is an opportunity for young talents to take the first major step,” he said.