The 2025 International Grassroots Coaching Course has come to an end in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Participants have praised the organisers — the Akwa Ibom State Football Association (AKSFA), Kally Sports, and the state government — for delivering a valuable and enriching programme.
The three-day course took place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium from 27 to 30 July. It included both theory and practical sessions led by Coach Seth Norton from the United States and respected Nigerian coach Monday Odigie.
At the close of the course, participants received certificates and gave very positive feedback. Many described the training as a refreshing experience and called for more opportunities like this in the future.
Experienced coach Patrick Udoh, who leads Nigeria National League side Godswill Akpabio United FC, said the course “refreshed his memory and gave him knowledge of modern coaching methods.”
Coach Udobia Udobia, Chairman of the Coaches Association in Akwa Ibom State, called the programme “a marvellous experience” and thanked the Football Association and Kally Sports for organising it at “just the right time.”
The event brought together both experienced and young coaches. Up-and-coming coaches like Godwin Inamoto, Samuel Anieting, and Wills Umoh expressed their excitement at the chance to develop their skills and advance their careers.
The closing ceremony was attended by the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey. He praised the organisers and urged coaches to use what they had learnt to develop themselves and discover future football talents.
“I am glad I came here,” said Elder Bassey. “This programme fits well with the Governor’s ARISE Agenda, which aims to empower and inspire the people.”
He highlighted the importance of continuous learning, saying even the most experienced coaches need refresher courses. “No matter how good you are, you still need guidance to improve,” he added.
Elder Bassey encouraged coaches to embrace technology in their work and promised ongoing support for such initiatives. To applause, he also announced he would refund 50 per cent of the course fee to each participant.
Both trainers, Coach Seth Norton and Coach Monday Odigie, said they were pleased to share their knowledge and looked forward to seeing participants apply it to improve football.
Representatives from Kally Sports, Messrs Ugwum and Okey Odunze, said they were proud the course met its goals. They revealed plans to create a continuous learning network for participants and said the programme would next move to Port Harcourt in Rivers State.
In his closing remarks, Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Football Association, Mr Samuel Umoh, thanked everyone who supported the event.
“The journey was challenging, but it was worth it. The success and positive feedback have motivated us to do even more,” he said.
Mr Umoh said more programmes were already planned and praised the strong interest from coaches across the state.
“We had over 90 participants, and even on the last day, more people were still calling to join. This shows how important this kind of training is,” he added.
He ended by encouraging coaches to put their new knowledge into practice and to help others grow in football.