The FC Barcelona/Prosperity Cup coaching clinic got underway in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, with a charge to football managers to explore the money-spinning component of the sport.
Secretary to the Bayelsa State government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, who gave the charge while speaking at the opening ceremony of the coaching clinic, noted that football, and indeed sports generally, was huge business.
Therefore, he advised football managers in the state to begin to pay attention to details and explore the money-spinning potentials of football.
Prof. Ayawei urged the grassroots coaches to be diligent and patient to learn from the FC Barcelona officials, maintaining that the exercise would impact positively on the coaches when the competition commences.
Director General of the tournament, Mr. Ono Akpe, opined that the essence of the programme is to improve the skills of the grassroots coaches in the state.
Mr Akpe, who noted that the continued training of grassroots coaches was already impacting on the growth of football in the state, used the opportunity to appreciate Governor Douye Diri for his huge investment in sports development in the state.
He equally commended the sponsors of the tournament for their steadfastness.
Also speaking, Mr. Bernat Villa Gorriz, the Team Lead of the FC Barcelona delegation, asserted that he is pleased with the organization of the programme particularly the enthusiasm of the coaches, stressing that his dream was to see these coaches rise to the peak of their career.
Also speaking, Mr. Sylvester Okonkwo of Whiz-kid ventures from the Netherlands, who facilitated the FC Barcelona/Prosperity Cup partnership, noted that the objective of the programme is to develop grassroots coaches with the FC Barcelona methodology and style of play.
Two participants, of FC California of Odi, expressed gratitude to the organizers of the programme for the laudable initiative, noting that the exercise is already reflecting on the performance of grassroots football coaches.
Day one of the coaching clinic was rounded-off with a scouting programme in which Citiboi Feeders tackled Bayelsa United Feeders while the second match of the day was between Bayelsa Starlets and FC Silina at the Samson Siasia Stadium.
The scouting programme continues Tuesday, February 24, 2026, immediately after the coaching clinic, with Excellent FC hosting Krusaders F.C. at the Samson Siasia Stadium, while in the second match Kingdom Stars will entertain Light FC.at the same venue.
