YAPS 2024: Start-Rite Int’l Emerge Primary school Champions

September 16, 2024 6

Yoshi Abuja Private Schools, YAPS, Football tournament for primary schools came to an end on Saturday 14 September 2024 as Start-Rite International School, emerge winners of the one day tournament.

The YAPS primary school football tournament which held at the Astro Turf arena, Abuja, saw Start-Rite edge Starfiled 2-0 in the semifinals. They then went to the finals to ease through Raberto School, five (5) goals to nil, to be crowned the maiden champions of the tournament.

Speaking on his schools glorious triumph, Mshelia Bilal who emerged the highest goal scorer with 10 goals said he is proud of what they archived.

“I feel very proud with my self and the team, I’m very proud and happy of what we have done.

This is why I like football, because of the competition and the awards.”

Also speaking on the tournament, proud mother of Start-Rite duo Billal and Amir, Dr. Natalyie Mshelia was happy with the opportunity which the organizers of the tournament gave the children, as she said the twins started from age 5.

“We have been encouraging them since a very young, they started training since they were five years old. And every year we encourage them to improve their skills and competitions like this is a good way for them to improve.”

Meanwhile, Ahmed Geidam, founder and CEO Yoshi Inernational football Academy expressed joy seeing the children engaged as he reaffirmed that the tournament is not just all about winning but participation as well.

“Every kid that participates in this tournament is being offered a certificate of participation, and we are also open to help them continue in their football development. As a football academy we are ready to build the next superstar, we have the capacity and knowledge to do so.

It is not about winning or losing, it is about participation in this level, and also about engaging them. We are glad that all the kids are engaged.”

Geidam offered insights into the plan for Yoshi Academy in Abuja. He explained that his passion for football, fueled by the impressive skills he saw from the players, inspired the creation of the tournament.

“As a football development academy based in the UAE, we are planning to open a branch here in Nigeria, precisely in Abuja. We are here on ground to nurture and train this boys to ensure they will be the best they can be.

What drove this idea was passion from the game and we want to see the next superstars coming from Nigeria.

For the kids I’m super excited as they showed high level of talent and skills.”

Eight Schools took part in the maiden YAPS Primary school football tournament, Olumawu, Great Heights, Starfield, Voyage, Creative Kids, Raberto school, Start-Rite, and Esteem Learning.

Ahmed Geidam And The Best Player of the Tournament

Muhammad from Raberto won the best player of the tournament while his teammate Ebube received the fair player award. The Best goalkeeper and golden boot went to players from Start-Rite.