Ondo Minifootball Association Chairman Graces Opener Of The Maiden Edition Of Neighbourhood MiniPitch Football Tournament in Akure
2 min read
By Sedara Philip
The Ondo State Minifootball Association has taken another significant step toward grassroots football development with the successful kick-off of the Maiden Edition of the Neighbourhood MiniPitch Football Tournament in Akure.
The colourful opening ceremony was chaired by the Chairman of the Ondo State Minifootball Association, Pastor Johnson B. Perez, who also served as the Special Guest of Honour at the event.
The tournament opening equally marked the official inauguration of a newly constructed Minifootball Pitch, a facility expected to significantly boost community football participation and youth engagement across the state.
Speaking at the event, Blessing Perez, Chairman of the Ondo State Minifootball Association, described the initiative as a major milestone in the Association’s vision to deepen grassroots football development in Ondo State.
“This MiniPitch and tournament represent more than just football; they represent hope, opportunity, and a structured pathway for our youths to discover and nurture their talents right from their neighbourhoods,” Perez said.
He further emphasised the importance of community-based football in talent discovery and character development.
“Minifootball thrives at the community level, and this project aligns perfectly with our mission to take the game closer to the people, create access to quality facilities, and promote unity, discipline, and healthy competition among our youths,” he added.
Perez commended the organisers for their foresight and commitment, noting that initiatives such as the Neighbourhood MiniPitch Football Tournament would serve as a solid foundation for talent identification, youth empowerment, and sustainable sports development within the state.
“We are proud to associate with programmes that prioritise grassroots engagement.
The Ondo State Minifootball Association will continue to support initiatives that empower young people, encourage community participation, and elevate the standard of minifootball across the state,” he stated.
The event was organised by Oti Oluwaseun, Chief Executive Officer of Neighbourhood MiniPitch Football, whose vision is centred on creating accessible football hubs within local communities.
During the inauguration, the CEO announced her readiness to partner with the Ondo State Minifootball Association on future programmes aimed at expanding minifootball activities and youth development across Ondo State.
In a further show of commitment, the CEO also pledged to make the Neighbourhood MiniPitch facility available for all national and state minifootball programmes, reaffirming her support for the growth and sustainability of the sport at every level.
The newly inaugurated MiniPitch is expected to serve as a hub for tournaments, training sessions, developmental programmes, and community football activities, providing a safe, standard, and inclusive environment for young players to develop their skills.
With the successful launch of the maiden tournament, stakeholders are optimistic that the Neighbourhood MiniPitch Football Tournament will become a recurring platform for discovering talents, fostering unity at the grassroots, and strengthening the growth of minifootball in Ondo State.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
