PROBLEM:

Disruption of Football competitions due to crisis, as no strong Association was overseeing sporting activities.

RESPONSE:

Formation of a stronger coaches Association, that oversees the running of sports activities, particularly football in Lavun Local Area. Before then, football competitions are disrupted mid-way or during finals, because some teams feels cheated by the officials e.g. referees also, some match officials used to be biased and partial in their conduct or they would like to determine the winner at all costs or prefer a player over others. Also, most players don’t know or don’t abide by the game’s rules. Supporters are also one of the biggest problems as they cause most problems by going into the field to challenge the referee or player and sometimes even beat them up. These were some of the challenges that led to the formation of the Coaches Association.

EVIDENCE:

Football competitions are now being played without much problem and within the stipulated time. What did they do? Any coach, referee, and football official must be registered with the association, and any team and footballer who wants to participate in a competition must also register. By being a member of the Association, rules and regulations must be abided by and any official, footballer, or team that breaks the rule will be banned /suspended and fined. Meetings were also organized to sensitize and enlighten officials and players about the rules and peaceful and good conduct during competitions.

LIMITATIONS.

Lack of adequate and standard football pitch, security during football competitions, sponsors, first aid kits, and lack of interest in sponsoring football competitions by the well-to-do in the Community. In most cases, coaches themselves contribute money to organize competitions because of their interest in sports.

Mobility is also one of the challenges as players or coaches contribute money to hire a car to travel for competitions.

INSIGHTS:

Football is no longer a passion or just a sport but a business, therefore, for any meaningful progress in grassroots sports, Communities have to organize themselves to form strong Associations and teams to have hitch-free competitions and to attract sponsorship from governments, NGOs, and private organizations.

CREDIT: This is extracted from a Solution Program on Lavun Community Radio 95.5fm Kutigi as Sponsored by Nigerian Health Watch