By Saheed Afolabi
The 2024 Standard U10 Championship produced a new champion as Trojan FA won the kiddies tournament in style by raking seven points from three games, Slas FA came second with four points, Lofty Skills finished third with four points from three games and Young Stars had one point from three games.
Standard U10 Championship organizer, Shade Ekun highlighted the gains of the tournament by giving exposure to kids below the age of ten who rarely engages in tournament within their age group.
The Nigeria elite referee admitted it isn’t easy dealing with the kids and their coaches but she’s happy doing what she likes.
“It’s very rare seeing U10 category tournament and the kids need to be active too not only training they have to engage in one or two tournaments to prepare them for future purpose and achieving their aims by choose to play football.
“Though it’s not an easy task in terms of dealing with them, dealing with their coaches in terms of screening, it’s very stressful but at the same time I enjoy doing it because it’s what I love doing and I won’t get tired of repeating it.”
The players didn’t go home empty handed as football boots, shin guards, writing materials, training cones, balls, bibs, kit bags were also given out to the players who participated in the tournament.
Samod Saka from Slas FA scooped home the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and best defender award, Qayum Asiri emerged highest goal scorer with nine goals in three games.
Muiz Saka of Slas FA went home with the best goalkeeper award, Olaiya Muyideen of Lofty Skills SA won the best midfielder award, while Teslim Shotomiwa of Trojan FA was awarded the best attacker.
Fair Play award went to Alimi Skills builders as Fatai Owotutu (Trojan FA) was adjudged the Best coach of the tournament.
