Youth football team struggling without proper field

A local youth football team has become the pride of their community, but their dream of competing at higher levels is being thwarted by the lack of a proper football field.

Every afternoon, the boys gather with excitement, carrying their worn-out boots and one old football.

Their training ground is nothing more than a dusty open space filled with stones and uneven patches of grass.

On sunny days, they train under harsh heat with dust after every kick of the ball. When it rains, the ground quickly turns muddy, compelling them to stop practice completely.

Injuries are a common story for the young players. cuts, bruises, and twisted ankles happen often because of the rough surface.

“We have the talent, but no good place to train,” said Kojo, adding that as the team captain. “Sometimes we even play barefoot because our boots get torn on the stones.”

The players, most of them students, are determined not to give up. Despite the challenges, they train almost every evening after school. Their love for the game keeps them going. “Football is our passion. Even when we are tired from school, we come here to play,” said Yaw, a midfielder.

Parents and community members often gather to watch the boys practice. For many residents, the team represents hope and inspiration. However, there is growing concern that without proper facilities, the dreams of these young talents may never come true.

The team lacks not only a good pitch but also proper equipment. They share a single ball, play in torn jerseys, and mostly do not even own boots.

Yet, their determination shines through every training session. The players and their supporters are appealing to local authorities, NGOs, and sports organisations to come to their aid.

They are calling for the construction of a proper football pitches, supply of training kits, and opportunities to compete in organised tournaments.

For now, the dusty field remains their only hope. But the passion and determination of the boys show that with just a little support, they could rise beyond the limits of their community and make their dreams a reality.

*The author is a student of UNIMAC-IJ (BACS26172)

 By Adizatu Yakubu