OLABIM QUEENS FA: CHIEF MRS. OLAOYE ABIMBOLA REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO GRASSROOTS DEVELOPMENT AND WOMEN’S FOOTBALL

OLABIM QUEENS FA: CHIEF MRS. OLAOYE ABIMBOLA REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO GRASSROOTS DEVELOPMENT AND WOMEN’S FOOTBALL

The Director of OLABIM Queens Football Academy, Chief Mrs. Olaoye Abimbola, has reaffirmed the academy’s commitment to discovering, nurturing, and empowering talented young girls from less privileged backgrounds, stressing that financial limitations should never prevent any girl from pursuing her dreams in football.

Speaking during a media engagement with the Kwara Women’s League Media Crew, Chief Mrs. Olaoye Abimbola explained that the academy was established with a clear mission to identify young girls with footballing potential, support their development, and provide them with opportunities to build successful sporting careers.

According to her, the academy is determined to make football accessible to talented girls regardless of their financial circumstances, using sports as a platform to inspire hope, build confidence, and create opportunities for a brighter future.

FREE REGISTRATION, ACCOMMODATION AND FEEDING

One of the major highlights of OLABIM Queens Football Academy is its commitment to reducing the financial burden on aspiring footballers.

Chief Mrs. Olaoye Abimbola disclosed that registration at the academy is completely free, while accommodation and feeding are also provided for players to ensure they can concentrate on their training and development.

The academy nurtures young talents from the grassroots level, beginning with children at creche age, with the objective of developing them into disciplined, skilled, and professionally prepared footballers.

Beyond technical training, the academy also emphasises mentorship, discipline, and personal development, helping its players grow both on and off the pitch.

PLAYER SCOUTING AND INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

In its quest to take talented players to the next level, OLABIM Queens Football Academy organises annual scouting programmes as part of its strategy to promote its players and connect them with potential opportunities.

Chief Mrs. Olaoye Abimbola explained that the academy actively markets its players to clubs and football organisations, including opportunities beyond Nigeria, in a bid to help them secure professional advancement.

Although the academy is still working towards achieving greater results from its efforts, its management remains optimistic that continued exposure, sponsorship, and collaboration with football stakeholders will open more doors for its players.

The academy has also participated in various football tournaments and operates both male and female teams across different age categories, demonstrating its broader commitment to grassroots football development.

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AND A VISION FOR THE FUTURE

Despite the challenges associated with grassroots sports development, OLABIM Queens Football Academy continues to invest in facilities that will support its long-term ambitions.

The academy is developing its own mini football pitch, which is still under construction, and has its own hostel to accommodate players.

These facilities form part of the academy's vision to create a supportive environment where young footballers can train, learn, and develop their abilities without unnecessary financial pressure.

For Chief Mrs. Olaoye Abimbola, the mission goes beyond building a football academy. It is about creating opportunities for young people, particularly girls who might otherwise be denied the chance to showcase their talents because of their economic circumstances.

SUPPORT FOR THE KWARA WOMEN'S FOOTBALL LEAGUE

The OLABIM Queens FA Director also expressed her desire to see female football in Kwara State grow into a stronger, more competitive, and sustainable sporting sector.

She believes the Kwara Women's Football League provides an important platform for female players to showcase their abilities, gain competitive experience, attract scouts, and explore opportunities across different states.

According to her, the league should become a regular annual competition rather than an occasional event.

She therefore called on the Kwara State Football Association (Kwara FA) to take greater responsibility for the development and promotion of women's football by establishing a sustainable structure that will support the league's continuity.

She also emphasised the importance of bringing female teams together to compete, develop their skills, and contribute to the overall growth of football in the state.

The academy expressed confidence in its squad ahead of the commencement of the league, declaring its readiness to compete and give its players an opportunity to demonstrate their quality on the pitch.

For OLABIM Queens FA, participation in the league is not simply about winning matches; it is also about player development, exposure, and creating pathways for talented girls to progress in their football careers.

A CALL FOR SPONSORSHIP AND SUPPORT

Chief Mrs. Olaoye Abimbola further appealed to corporate organisations, individuals, football stakeholders, and potential sponsors to invest in female football.

She noted that financial support and strategic partnerships would help academies provide better facilities, improve player welfare, organise competitions, and create more scouting opportunities.

She urged sponsors to recognise the potential of female footballers and support initiatives that give them the platform to showcase their abilities to the world.

According to her, investing in women's football is an investment in talent, opportunity, empowerment, and the future of the game.

With adequate support, she believes more girls from disadvantaged backgrounds can overcome financial barriers and achieve their dreams of becoming successful footballers.

'IN GOD WE TRUST'

Despite the challenges of running a grassroots football academy, Chief Mrs. Olaoye Abimbola said the institution continues to depend on God for guidance, provision, and opportunities to fulfil its mission.

She expressed faith that the academy would continue to grow, attract the necessary support, and produce positive results for its players.

For OLABIM Queens Football Academy, the ultimate ambition is clear: to discover hidden talents, develop disciplined footballers, empower young girls, and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of women's football in Kwara State and beyond.

By Oyeboade Emmanuel Emmzysports As preparations continue for the Kwara Women's Football League, the academy remains committed to its vision of giving talented players the opportunity to express themselves, gain exposure, and pursue their dreams.

With free registration, player welfare support, annual scouting programmes, and a strong commitment to grassroots development, OLABIM Queens Football Academy is working to ensure that financial limitations do not become the final barrier between talented girls and their footballing ambitions.

By Oyeboade Emmanuel Emmzysports Media Concept