The Director of United Kingdom (UK)-based FCV Academy, Martin Harris has described Nigeria as a country with passion for sports and education which he said attracted the academy to decide to organize the maiden FCV Gladiators Camp.
The camp which holds this month in Lagos and Abuja will have participants tutor by top and experienced coaches from UK and Netherlands.
“Having visited Nigeria on a number of occasions, we have seen a strong passion and understanding of the importance of combining sporting and academic development, this runs from school teachers through to senior executives of governing bodies. This belief is shared by ourselves and is at the forefront of our own Academy values, which we have seen through numerous Nigerian students progressing into our Academy,” Harris said.
With some Nigerians have attended the FCV Academy in UK, Harris believes more Nigerian students would be given the opportunity through the camp to be part of the academy. “The FCV International Football Academy welcomes students from across the globe and since our partnership with Dynaspro Promotion began over eight years ago, this has included those from Nigeria.
“Those graduating from our program have progressed onto a variety of pathways, including professional football to gaining various degree qualifications in the UK and around the world. To enable us to have a far greater impact and reach in support of football development in Nigeria, we wanted to bring our Academies core values and coaching methods directly to the country, enabling our coaches to work with these young players to give them a fantastic insight and experience in football,” he added.
For the participants at the maiden edition this year, Harris said: “Participants attending the FCV Gladiator Soccer Camps will enhance their individual skills both from a technical and tactical aspect; it will build their teamwork and character, but most importantly will be fun. Our highly qualified and experienced coaches, supported by additional European coaches will work with the participants to help improve their performance and understanding of the requirements of the modern game.
He added: “Besides honing their football skills, the camp will also provide educational seminars in areas such as the Nigerian Olympic Value Program, health and exercise, leadership, financial literacy, social skills and general etiquette. On conclusion of the course, each participant will receive an assessment and report, providing feedback to support their continued development.”