The Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA) has taken a significant step towards revitalizing grassroots football with the full re-equipment of the Rising Stars Academy across all 18 local government areas of the state.
The event, attended by coaches and coordinators from the various Rising Stars centres, was widely described as a timely and impactful initiative aimed at restoring the academy to its former glory and energizing football development at the grassroots level.
Speaking at the event, ODSFA Chairman Divine Ogbonnaya explained that the initiative aligns with the vision of the current Ondo State administration led by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, which is committed to rebuilding the once-vibrant Rising Stars Academy.
Ogbonnaya revealed that the new kits were sponsored by a foreign partner, adding that Governor Ayiedatiwa views the Rising Stars Academy as a strategic talent pipeline for Sunshine Stars FC. According to him, the administration is determined to harness potential from across the state and nurture future stars capable of progressing to the senior team.
He encouraged youths across all 18 LGAs to take full advantage of the opportunity, make themselves available for training, and commit to the development pathways now being strengthened at the grassroots level.
The chairman further noted that the coaches engaged for the programme are former Sunshine Stars and Rising Stars players a move designed not only to ensure quality mentorship but also to create employment opportunities within the sector.
Corroborating the chairman’s remarks, the Coordinator of the Rising Stars Academy in Ondo State, Kehinde Odogun, stated that the programme is specifically designed for youths between the ages of 13 and 17. He emphasized that identifying talent early helps instill the discipline and structure required for professional football development.
Odogun added that the agency is collaborating with partners across the globe to harness the potential of young talents, with the aim of creating pathways for them to develop and eventually transition to Sunshine Stars and European clubs.
He urged the coaches to remain dedicated, focused, and aligned with the agency’s vision. He also encouraged them to work closely with local government chairmen to ensure a conducive training environment in every community.
Speaking on behalf of the coordinators, Ijasan Adeniyi, described the initiative as a morale booster and promised that the coordinators would maximize the opportunity to develop exceptional talent across the state.
With renewed support, enhanced structure, and strengthened global partnerships, ODSFA expressed confidence that the Rising Stars Academy will once again stand as a key talent hub for football development in Ondo State and beyond.