By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
Some 120 children from diverse backgrounds are taking part in a holiday camp organized by the Edu Sports Academy in Yaounde.
The camp, which began in June, aims to inspire and instill fundamental football skills in the young participants as well as cultivate responsible future footballers.
Speaking to the media, Gabriel Sevidzem Wirdzerem, CEO and Founder of Edu Sports Academy, expressed satisfaction with the progress made since the camp began a month and two weeks ago.
“We’ve seen significant improvement compared to previous years. I’m incredibly grateful to the parents for trusting Edu Sports during this challenging period,” he said.
While indicating that over 90 percent of the children present in the camp are internally displaced, he said, “They have learned a lot of things, including basic drills, ball control, passes, heading, football skills, managing emotions, and morals. Through the game, children learn about fair play, respect for opponents, and the importance of teamwork.”
When asked about the academy’s focus on children, he emphasized the need for Cameroon and Africa to invest in youth football to compete globally.
“The future of football lies in the hands of our youth. We must prioritize grassroots development and instill fundamental skills from a young age. That’s precisely what we’re doing here,” he explained.
Wirdzerem also highlighted the educational benefits of football. “Football is a powerful tool for breaking down barriers. We use the game to teach morals and fair play. It’s disheartening to see a child deny a handball when they know they’ve committed a foul. Immediately, we stop the game and educate them,” he said.
With the challenge of a lack of space for training, Edu Sports Academy is looking to the future with pride. “We will try to find a way to have a playground so that we can continue working with these children during school moments.”
Edu Sports CEO also belief in the transformative power of sports is evident in the academy’s holistic approach to development.
The academy’s senior section is participating in the Mfoundi FECAFOOT League. Established in 2011 in Kumbo, Northwest Region, Edu Sports Academy relocated to the Center Region due to the ongoing crisis.
The academy’s vision is to create a world where education and sports work together to empower individuals and foster healthy, fulfilling lives. They are also committed to developing talent in various fields.
20
0
20
20
