Nigerian youth coaches set for NPFL-LaLiga coaching clinic

As a follow-up to the success recorded during its first edition, and to reiterate commitments to the development of grass-roots football in Nigeria, the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) and LaLiga have announced the second edition of their annual coaching clinic.

The five-day clinic which is expected to have over 100 youth coaches in attendance will take place at the National Stadium, Abuja from February 7 to 11.

The annual coaching clinic which will precede the NPFL U-15 Promises Tournament is designed to train youth coaches on how to properly develop young talents using the LaLiga methodology. The content of the clinic will be framed within a level 2 (intermediate) syllabus where coaches will learn more complex and technical aspects of LaLiga’s methodology as  a continuation of the level 1 (beginner) training from the first edition.

LaLiga Sports Project Coordinator, Juan Zapata spoke about LaLiga projects in Nigeria and said “We are once again thrilled to have the opportunity to spread the LaLiga methodology across Nigeria and Africa. We are committed to each of our projects across Africa and sending LaLiga coaching instructors to train the youth coaches in Nigeria aims to further show our commitment to the development of football in the country through our longstanding partnership with the NPFL”.

“Last year, we had clinics for players and coaches in Kenya and we also have something coming up in South Africa soon. As for 2018, we hope to increase LaLiga’s presence through our various sports-education projects all across the continent,” he added.

Also speaking about the initiative, assistant coach of the Nigerian U-17 national team, Bunmi Haruna said “Last year’s edition of the coaching clinic was very impactful. We were exposed to the Spanish methodology for training players. The Spanish model is unique and very technical, and I am grateful to LaLiga and the NPFL for giving me the opportunity to better my skills as a coach.”

The NPFL-LaLiga partnership was signed in 2016 and has since recorded a number of exchange projects between the two leagues, including a tour of Spain by an NPFL All-Star team and the opening of the LaLiga Nigeria office in Abuja.