Lagos State Sports Commission partners with UK’s Abbey Rangers to revolutionize grassroots football
The Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) has announced a transformative partnership with Abbey Rangers Football Club, a respected community football institution based in the United Kingdom.
This collaboration marks a significant milestone in grassroots football development in Nigeria and sets the stage for a new era of international cooperation in youth sports.
Through this strategic alliance, Abbey Rangers FC will work closely with the LSSC to implement a comprehensive seven-pillar framework that targets key areas such as talent development, coaching enhancement, sports science, community engagement, policy support, resource mobilization, and infrastructure growth.
This initiative is the first of its kind between Nigeria and a UK-based community football club, and it aims to build a sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive football ecosystem in Lagos State.
The partnership is designed to open new international pathways for young athletes and coaches, offering access to advanced training, mentorship, and global exposure.
At the official unveiling, Mr. Lekan Fatodu, Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, described the initiative as a landmark step in the state’s mission to cultivate a thriving and inclusive sports environment.
He emphasized that the collaboration is a deliberate move to align Lagos with global best practices in grassroots football, praising Abbey Rangers for their expertise and community-driven ethos that resonate with Lagos’ vision for youth sports excellence.
Abbey Rangers CEO, Mr. Nick Riley, echoed this sentiment, expressing pride in partnering with Lagos State on such a forward-thinking project.
He highlighted the club’s longstanding belief in the power of community football as a catalyst for development, inclusion, and opportunity, and welcomed the chance to share their grassroots model with one of Africa’s most vibrant cities.
This partnership underscores Lagos State’s strategic commitment to nurturing the next generation of football talent through innovation, international collaboration, and community-based programs.
