After successfully staging five editions, the annual Greensprings /Kanu Football Camp enters season six this year and registration for the glamorous football clinic begins across the country.
The camp has churned out stars for the national team, while students from various public schools in Lagos have benefited from the educational scholarships awarded to outstanding participants at the camp.
According to the Executive Director of Greensprings School, Mrs. Lai Koiki, the football camp is part of the school’s mission of moulding the total child.
“The camp forms part of the holistic education that we offer and we believe that children are multitalented. Every bit of what they have to do should be enhanced and this gives them an opportunity outside school. Beyond this, it is a camp that is open, not just to our students but to students from other schools, giving them an opportunity of making new friends and socialising.
“It now extends beyond social barriers and at least those on the other side of the divide will see what life is like here. It also sensitizes them to the reality of life and of course it is an opportunity to strengthen discipline, which is one of its goals. We believe that if you want to become a star or if you want to succeed in sports, you have to be disciplined,” she said.
For this year’s camp, top coaches from Europe are expected to coordinate activities at the five-day training camp.
As a football loving nation, Mrs. Koiki added; “Nigeria has lost its grass root elements somewhere along the line, so this is part of our own contribution in re-awakening and discovering grassroots talents.
With gains of the camp obviously rubbing off positively on the school, the Director added, “as an off-shoot of this football camp, we have been able to do some corporate social responsibilities that have had a positive social impact. We now have five football scholars, who have also gone ahead to represent Nigeria at the national level. On the academic side and the social side, this platform has given them a new ease of life. As to where they can get to, it is interesting to note that a few of our parents have adopted these children, so it’s a different lifestyle and a different experience. I am sure the sky is probably a stepping stone for them.
For students willing to be part of this year’s edition which is scheduled to hold from April 3 to 8 at Lekki campus of Greensprings School, Lagos, the organizer said forms can be obtained from either Anthony or Lekki campuses. It is also available online at www.greenspringskanufootballcamp.org . Offer of educational scholarship awards at Greensprings School are available for outstanding students at the camp.
Former Super Eagles captain, Nwankwo Kanu is expected to be part of the camp and many other exciting events lined up for the students.
