A former administrative manager of a popular youth development project, Community Action Through Sport (CATS), that was once sponsored by The British Council in Lagos, Oscar Ezinwa Emmanuel is making a comeback into active talent grooming operations.
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This was disclosed in an exclusive chat with sports247.ng by the highly-acclaimed youth promoter, who is fondly called ‘T.M.’ by his admirers, while admitting that the fire of hunting for hidden talents is still burning hot in his vein.
Mr Oscar, who had earlier served as the secretary-general of Orient Youth Sports Association (ORYSA), attributed his long absence from football management, organisation of competitions and events promotions to his advent into pastoral duties, but affirned that he is now storming back.
“I had the call of God at my former residence in Ije-Ododo kingdom, and that made me concentrate on church activities,” said the man with zeal and passion, who is also the founder of Pison Divine Royals Sports Promotions.
“However, since I’ve moved to a new abode located between Ikorodu and Sagamu, I’ve continued having dreams in which I see myself gathering players and teams together again. I believe it’s God’s way of reminding me about another task he has for me.”
Oscar Emmanuel, who has also worked as Igbo Traders Cup coordinator in Ilorin, Kwara State and the secretary-general of Nigerian Grassroots Football Federation (NGFF), added that he is making a comeback to youth football promotions with a camp that is scheduled to hold this Easter at a choice location within the Ikorodu axis.
“Many youth academies and grassroots clubs are jostling for my service. They want me to become their consultant and team coordinator. I’ve been approached officially by four teams, and more are on the way, because many of my former players are putting pressure on me.
“Many people who have known me over the years and saw what I did with grassroots football are begging me to come back into active sports management. I am very happy and glad with the recognition they are all giving me.
“I would have loved to take up duties fully with one of them, but I had a dream already; which I first want to fulfil before taking up anything else.
It’s about putting together a joint-camp that will bring many clubs and their players together under one roof for at least a week,” Oscar stated.
The native of Abia State then reeled out details of his dream project, which he said would involve football training and competition matches, as well as the presence of renowned facilitators taking the players, coaches and officials through various tips of academic, officiating, technical, management, administrative and legal aspects of the game.
“It’s a holiday camp that will bring together young players from several clubs, who will be invited via various social media platforms. They will be together under one roof and engage in different developmental activities for a week or two.
“It was initially going to be in the summer, but I’ve been convinced that it can begin with the Easter holiday in April. So, we will soon send out flyers and begin a serious media campaign to sensitise the public about this lofty venture.
“My biggest ambition is to organise a summer camp in the Ikorodu axis. We will bring in many youth clubs from far and near to enjoy the serene atmosphere of this town. I will start with this Easter camp and pick things up from there,” the exuberant promotions buff projected.
He posited that the camp will be organised based on the experience he gained as the administrator of CATS, which was sponsored by the British Council for eight years in Surulere area of Lagos, as well as what he witbessed in two trips to Austria for a youth competition he attended with NGFF’s selected squad, National Grassroots Dream Team.
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