Spires 5-Aside: Akinyelure calls for support towards youth dev

As part of efforts to advance the course of youth development and empowerment in the country, the Director of Spires 5-Aside Naija Street Soccer Tournament Akin Akinyelure has urged the private sector and government at all levels to key into the grassroots football initiative.

The highly esteemed advocate for youth empowerment and orientation made this known at the recently held divisional draws and media parley to kick start hostilities in the 2nd edition of the Spires 5-Aside Street Soccer tournament.

“I am truly excited to have been associated with Spires Media and Dr Allibay on this transformative project, the Spires 5-Aside Tourney is truly about touching the lives of young people, and this was demonstrated with the impact it made in the maiden season,” the director said.

Akinyelure further urged the government, firms and multinationals to support the Spires 5-Aside Naija Street Soccer Tournament as a way of reaching out to young people through sports.

“The Spires 5-aside Tourney has become a vibrant community event promoting teamwork and nurturing hidden talent that often goes unnoticed, especially at the grassroots level. With limited resources, the organisers have managed to create an inclusive space that continues to attract interest across Lagos and beyond.

“ This is a project that is genuinely after my heart because of the potential it holds for the Nigerian youth, hence I  am calling on corporate organisations and individuals with the needed might and resources to throw their weight behind the Spires 5-Aside Naija Street Soccer Tournament now in its second season,” Akinyelure said.

Forty teams across the five divisions in Lagos will lock horns for honours in the 2025 edition of the Spires 5-Aside Naija Street Soccer tourney as hostilities get on the way on Saturday, April 19 at the Ikeja division. The winner of this year’s tournament will receive prize money of N10m among other benefits.

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