The Government of Lakes State says it is ready to host the first Soccer Academy in South Sudan to be implemented under the auspices of the Italian-based Genova International Soccer School.
The decision was reached at Wednesday’s meeting involving representatives from Lakes State Ministry of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports and Dr. Marco Bertolotto, from CESAR, an Italian association established by late Bishop Caesar Mazzolari to support some activities in Rumbek diocese.William Madong Mading, Director General in the state Ministry of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports, told Good News Radio that Lakes State Government welcomes the initiative to establish a Soccer Academy in Rumbek.
The land for the stadium has already been identified outside the town.
He said the initiative target children aged between 12 and 17.
Mr Madong said Lakes State has up to 250 football teams distributed in five geographical zones and government officials, headed by the Governor, are serious about the Soccer Academy initiative.
He added that the matches to identify young people with football talent will be played at Comboni School ground and Rumbek’s Freedom Square.
Mr Madong urged the community members and the youth in particular to get ready to welcome the sponsors.
Dr Bertolotto said the President of Genova International Soccer School together with a trainer and a coach will visit Rumbek in April.
He added that the Italian-based Soccer Academy is present in many countries, including Korea, Indonesia, India, Brazil, Argentina, France and Germany.
Dr Bertolotto said that the April visit will target over 100 young soccer players.
Clip 3 Soccer Academy in Rumbek
The team from Genova International Soccer Academy will consider the possibility of taking to Italy boys who may manifest greater talent in football for special training.