The draw for the 2020 edition of Egba Youth Football Competition has been held in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital with a call on stakeholders to join hands with the government to develop sports at the grassroots.

The draw which was held at the Alake Sports Centre, Ijeja, Abeokuta attracted sports administrators, coaches, and Veteran journalists.

The Egba Youth football Competition is an initiative of a member of the Ogun State Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, designed to promote unity and peaceful coexistence in various communities in the state.

The initiator of the championship, Mr. Alexander Soyinka explained the competition was borne of the need to empower youths through sports.

Mr. Soyinka said arrangements had been concluded to ensure a hitch-free championship.

Also, the Director, Admin, and Supply, Ministry of Youths and Sports, Alhaji Adetunji Kanimodo who described the championship as laudable said the development of the sports sector remained key in the cardinal point of the present administration.

Alhaji Kadimodo appealed to the participating teams to abide by the rule of fairness throughout the championship.

Other speakers at the draw including Chief Lai Labode, Mr. Olasunkanmi Odunaiya, and Mr. Wasiu Mustapha said there was the need for more grassroots competitions to complement the efforts of government in the discovery of talents for the country

The representative of the Apostolic Church Football Team, Mr. Joseph Ayunke noted that sports especially football was important to develop the youths and preach the gospel.

Mr. Joseph said the Egba Youth competition would go a long way to engender love, peace, and unity in the communities.

Twenty four teams were drawn into six groups with the opening game scheduled to kick off on the 6th March 2020.

Olusegun Folarin