The Minister of Youth and Sports Development Sunday Dare commissioned the second phase of Real Madrid football academy in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Tuesday.
Dare, who was received by the state Governor Nyesom Wike, witnessed the unveiling of the institution established in 2019 and initially billed for commission last year, but postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic.
The Academy which is in partnership with Real Madrid Football club of Spain is expected to nurture future stars from ages five to 17 by blending football and education together.
It would as well serve as a spring board for young talented Nigerians aspiring to take their footballing career to the biggest stages in the world.
Located in the state capital, the project features a training pitch and a two-storey complex with state-of-the art equipment and facilities to aid entrant’s learning process, including hostel accommodation and well-equipped fitness centre.
With FIFA regulations allowing for the transfer of minors, some top European teams had in the past established similar project to hunt for talents.
Aside from Real Madrid, there are other academies that partner with European football clubs in the country, like FC Bescola – who are in partnership with Spanish side FC Barcelona, but do not have a permanent location in the country, including FC Ifeanyi Uba and FC Ebiedo.
Meanwhile, the 11-time European champion, having signed an agreement with the Rivers State Government to provide technical assistance to the Academy, is the first of it kind in the country with a permanent camp site.
