The South West region of Nigeria is set to witness a new era in grassroots sports development with the maiden edition of the schools sports camp, organized by the Wamufat Youth Community Development Foundation (WYCDF) in collaboration with the Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF). The seven-day camp, scheduled to run from August 10 to 16, 2025, at the Agroterra Sports Complex in Joga-Orile, near Abeokuta, Ogun State, promises to be an exciting and enriching experience for young athletes.
The camp aims to empower young people through structured sports activities, values-based coaching, and wellness education. Over 600 students and game masters from Ogun, Lagos, Oyo, Ekiti, Osun, and Ondo States are expected to participate in the camp, which will feature daily athletics training, motivational sessions, sports drills, mentoring, and leadership development workshops. The initiative aligns with WYCDF’s broader mission to use sports as a tool for positive change, especially in underserved communities.
According to the organizers, the camp is designed to build confidence, character, and community among participants. Former athletes who excelled both in sports and academics have been invited to mentor participants, reinforcing the message that sports and education can go hand in hand. The camp has received strong backing from local leaders and members of the Nigerian diaspora, who see it as a model for sustainable youth development.
The NSSF President, Olabisi Joseph, commended WYCDF for initiating the programme, assuring that the federation would provide full support to ensure its success. She emphasized that the camp aligns with the International School Sports Federation (ISF) ideals of nurturing well-rounded individuals. The NSSF’s support underscores the importance of grassroots sports development in shaping the next generation of athletes.
The maiden schools sports camp in Ogun State marks a significant step towards promoting sustainable youth development through sports. With its focus on athletics, mentorship, and leadership development, the camp promises to inspire young people to pursue excellence in both sports and education. As the camp approaches, anticipation is building among sports enthusiasts, who see it as a potential game-changer for grassroots sports development in the South West region.
