As one way of identifying and nurturing talents at a tender age, Marachi Central Member of the County Assembly (MCA) has organized a three-day football tournament, aimed at recruiting youths to the new under 13 football academy, to be set-up in the Ward.
Mr Shadrack Masinde noted it was prudent to tap talent in the region during school holidays and urged parents to support the program, as it targets to bring out the best in every student in-line with CBC.
The MCA expressed optimism that through the academy, they will be able to restore lost glory of the Ward in soccer.
“I came-up with the idea to occupy the youths through this tournament, as they are on holiday. My aim is to create a future soccer team for the Butula Sub-county,” said Masinde.
Some 14 Primary Schools from the Ward have registered for the soccer event, where scouts will recruit the best to form Marachi Central football Academy.
St, Augustin Primary School Head Teacher, Scholastica Akunga, applauded the MCA’s initiative of ensuring students remain engaged even while on holiday, saying doing so would prevent cases of teenage pregnancies and drug abuse that are rampant in the area.
“This is quite commendable of our area MCA to have thought of such an idea that will occupy our pupils within while on holidays, as it will help to control drug abuse and unwanted pregnancies,” said madam Akunga.
Her sentiments was echoed by Mr. Stephen Anyangu, the Head Teacher, Khunyangu Primary, who said sports are avenues to instill discipline in students.
“This is a brilliant idea in the country, especially now that there is Talanta Hela and the education sector also acknowledges sports as essential,” he said.
In an opening match Neela Primary won 2-0 against neighbors Emagombe Primary before St. Augustine Butunyi were thrashed 2-1 by Compel Academy.
The teachers urged the MCA to incorporate girl’s teams in the next round this December and to also increase the sporting activities, to include volleyball, netball, rugby and athletics.
All the 14 teams will receive training kits that include uniforms and balls, as well as certificate of participation.
By Absalom Namwalo
