FIFA YEMISI GIVES BACK: Yemisi Akintoye Trains Over 100 Aspiring Female Referees In Lagos Symposium

On Saturday, September 21st, Nigerian FIFA-badged referee Yemisi Eunice Akintoye, from the Lagos State Referee Council, organized a symposium and training session tagged “FIFA YEMISI GIVES BACK” for over 100 aspiring female referees., Sports247 reports.

Held at the Lagos State Referee Association Secretariat within Teslim Balogun Stadium, the event aimed to inspire and educate young women interested in pursuing a career in refereeing.

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Akintoye, a distinguished figure in Nigerian refereeing, emphasized the importance of the initiative, saying, “Being a FIFA-badged referee is a privilege, and I’ve received a lot of training and education from the body.

It’s essential to impart knowledge to the next generation because the rules are constantly evolving. We need to develop quality referees from the grassroots, and it’s encouraging to see these young girls showing such interest.”

The symposium marked its second edition, witnessing a significant increase in participation compared to the first.

“Last year, we had about 40 girls, and this year, the number has more than doubled. Our plan is to keep growing this program and reach more girls every year,” Akintoye added.

The day-long training featured rigorous morning and afternoon sessions, designed to build the skills and confidence of the young referees.

Participants were engaged in detailed classes, covering the latest changes in the laws of the game and the physical and mental demands of refereeing at a professional level.

In between the sessions, the girls were given breaks to relax, with breakfast served after the morning session and lunch after the afternoon classes.

At the end of the program, each participant was awarded a certificate of completion, acknowledging their dedication and commitment.

Joining Akintoye were several notable referees who served as facilitators, including FIFA referee Hope Igho, Pastor John Ojeleye, Anu Balogun, and retired FIFA referee Bukky Olisa. Their collective experience provided invaluable insights, further enriching the training experience for the aspiring referees.

The “FIFA YEMISI GIVES BACK” initiative is a testament to the growing opportunities for women in football and highlights the critical role of mentorship and training in shaping the next generation of referees.