LSSC, Abbey Rangers sign MoU to boost grassroots football development
The Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with UK-based community football side Abbey Rangers FC to boost grassroots football development across Lagos State. The
The Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with UK-based community football side Abbey Rangers FC to boost grassroots football development across Lagos State.
The agreement, signed on Tuesday, will see both parties collaborate across seven strategic pillars, including talent identification, coaching development, sports science integration, community engagement, policy advisory support, resource mobilisation and infrastructure optimisation.
As part of the partnership, we will roll out a statewide scouting program across schools and communities, complemented by technical training and scholarship opportunities, and comprehensive athlete development initiatives.
Director General of the LSSC, Lekan Fatodu, said the initiative prioritises education as a core driver of sports development.
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“Education is the bedrock of development, and what we are consciously doing is placing education at the forefront of our sports development agenda,” he said.
“This will help young athletes make informed choices and provide them the opportunity to leverage sports to build other career pathways.”
Chairman of Abbey Rangers FC, Nick Riley, expressed confidence in the long-term value of the collaboration.
“Player development, coaching and infrastructure are central to what we do, and there is a lot we can contribute on this journey with the Lagos State Sports Commission and Nigeria.
“We are not looking to build something that lasts two or five years, but a legacy that will last generations. We are up for the challenge, and we are ready to work with the Lagos State.”
Established in 1976, Abbey Rangers FC operates 50 teams for boys and girls aged between 3 and 18, while its senior side competes in the ninth tier of English football.
