Slum2Stardom, FCT FA Seal Partnership To Honour Grassroots Football Heroes
In a bold move to celebrate and promote local football talent, Abuja-based sports development agency Slum2Stardom has signed a two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Capital Territory Football Association (FCT FA) to launch an annual grassroots football awards ceremony.
The groundbreaking partnership, sealed at a formal event in Abuja, aims to spotlight the unsung heroes of grassroots football — players, coaches, referees, and team managers — who have shown outstanding dedication to developing the beautiful game across the FCT.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Oladapo Oluwatope, Team Lead at Slum2Stardom, hailed the initiative as a landmark moment for grassroots football.
“We’re inspired by the vision of FCT FA Chairman, Alhaji Adam Mouktar Mohammed. This collaboration gives us an opportunity to honour those who are quietly doing the work at the grassroots. It’s time they get the recognition they truly deserve,” he said.
Also speaking on behalf of the FCT FA Chairman, Vice Chairman Alhaji Salihu Kolo commended Slum2Stardom for backing the development of local football.
“I must applaud this initiative. The ripple effect will be massive — from motivating young players to strengthening the grassroots football structure. We’re excited about what’s to come,” he said.
The event was witnessed by notable football stakeholders including Mr. Usman Ilerika, FCT FA Secretary; Coach Patrick Bassey, FCT FA Board Member and Coach of Nigeria’s U15 team; as well as key Slum2Stardom officials — Edinamobong Okong (Operations Head) and Azubuike Jideaka (Head of Media and Publicity).
The first edition of the FCT Grassroots Football Awards is expected to take place soon, promising to shine a long-overdue spotlight on the people powering local football dreams.