Udoka Myra Edike is founder of the NextFootballStars Foundation. She Speaks to RAYMOND NWADUBA about her penchant for touching lives with football, her recently concluded Charity cup tournament in Lagos to commemorate the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, amongst other sundry issues…
How do you feel after the program?
I feel incredibly grateful and fulfilled after this second edition of the tournament. Seeing the impact on the children and the community is heartwarming. Each step we take brings us closer to our goal of empowering the youth and fighting poverty through football. The success of this program shows that we are making a real difference.
Can you tell us more about the event?
This year’s Charity Cup was particularly special. We organized the tournament to commemorate the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, aligning with our mission to uplift children from underserved communities. We had 18 teams from the Ibeju-Lekki to Epe axis competing in a knockout tournament. The atmosphere was electric, filled with excitement, hope, and camaraderie. It wasn’t just about football but also about showcasing talent and raising awareness of the importance of education and empowerment in eradicating poverty.
What’s the motive behind it?
The motive is deeply connected to our mission of using sports, particularly football, as a tool for social change. Poverty is a global issue, and in Nigeria, it affects millions of children who miss out on education and opportunities. By creating platforms like this tournament, we provide a way out for these children. We aim to inspire them, give them hope, and offer tangible opportunities through sports and education.
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What was your greatest constraint while organizing the program?
Our biggest challenge this year was funding. Despite the generosity of our sponsors, organizing such a large-scale event always stretches resources. Managing logistics, ensuring we could cater to all the participants, and securing enough sponsorship to cover all expenses were some of the main constraints.
Are there things you feel you could have done differently?
- Yes, there’s always room for improvement. Perhaps early planning and more engagement with potential sponsors could have helped alleviate some of the financial constraints. We also want to explore ways to expand the educational aspect of the tournament by incorporating workshops or mentorship sessions that run parallel to the football matches. Will this be annually?
Absolutely! This is our second edition, and we’re committed to making it an annual event. The enthusiasm from the participants and the support from the community have made it clear that this is a much-needed initiative. Each year, we hope to grow the tournament, increase our outreach, and impact more children.
What do you intend to achieve with this project?
We intend to provide a platform where underprivileged children can showcase their talents and gain exposure, not just in football but also in life skills. Ultimately, we aim to lift these children out of poverty by offering them opportunities for personal development, education, and mentorship. We hope to inspire other communities and organizations to do the same and build a movement that fights poverty one child at a time.
The teams that participated, what do they stand to benefit?
The participating teams gain invaluable experience and exposure. Some of the players will have the chance to be scouted by professional football academies. Beyond that, the tournament offers them mentorship and a sense of belonging, which can be life-changing. For some, this is the first step toward realizing their dreams, both on and off the football field.
What identity do you wish to create with the brand NextFootballStars Foundation?
We want the NextFootballStars Foundation to be known as an organization that creates lasting social change through sports and education. We aim to be recognized as a beacon of hope for children from marginalized communities, offering them not only the chance to dream but the tools to turn those dreams into reality.
Any regrets doing what you are doing?
No regrets at all. There may be challenges, but the joy of seeing these children grow, learn, and thrive makes it all worthwhile. Each obstacle is just a learning opportunity, and I’m confident that we are on the right path.
If you weren’t doing football, what would you be doing?
If I weren’t involved in football, I would still be working on something related to youth empowerment. The passion I have for creating opportunities for underprivileged children goes beyond sports. However, football provides a unique platform that connects with young people, so I’m glad to be part of it!
