Fasuba Reflects on First Year as Chairman of Plymouth Hope Youth Football Club
Nigeria’s 100m record holder and sprint icon Olusoji Fasuba, best known for his blistering speed on the track, has taken on a new challenge off it, leading Plymouth Hope Youth Football Club.
In his first year as Chairman, Fasuba described the experience as ‘truly rewarding,’ drawing comparisons between the discipline of athletics and the teamwork of grassroots football.
The Plymouth Hope Greens U14, where Fasuba’s son Oscar plays, won Division 2 and secured promotion to Division 1. Though their cup run ended in disappointment due to a technical oversight, Fasuba praised coach Tom Doyle and his staff for their ‘fantastic work’ in building a winning side.
The Plymouth Hope Yellows U14, a newly formed team with many first-time league players, finished third in Division 4 and earned promotion.
In a stunning upset, they defeated an unbeaten team to win the cup final. Fasuba, who managed the team himself, likened the victory to his own breakthrough moment in 2008 when he became the first African to win the World Indoor 60m.
The Plymouth Hope U11 endured a tough season, but Fasuba has committed to managing them personally next year.
‘Turning teams around is something I enjoy,’ he said, echoing the persistence that made him a three-time African 100m champion.
Fasuba credited Mark Francis Fitzsimons for his guidance and thanked Plymouth HOPE for their continued support.
‘Their belief in what we are building for young people has been vital,’ he noted.
This season, Plymouth Hope fielded three youth teams. Next year, Fasuba aims to expand to five or six, offering more opportunities for players, coaches, and sponsors. He highlighted that Plymouth Hope can also support aspiring coaches in gaining qualifications.
Fasuba remains Nigeria’s 100m record holder, an Olympic 4x100m bronze medalist, and one of Africa’s most decorated sprinters. His transition into football leadership reflects his passion for youth development and his commitment to inspiring the next generation.
