A total of 24 teams have signified interest to participate in the 3rd edition of the Bet9ja Ondo State U-19 Football Tournament
The event which will kick off on Monday, November 24 will end by December 23.
The Chairman of the Bet9ja Ondo State Tournament, Akogun Yomi Seriki, made the revelation while addressing club owners and representatives of participating clubs in Akure,
Seriki, who appealed for continued support for the organisers, explained that the purpose of the competition was to groom young, talented players from across the state’s 18 local government areas.
“We moved away from the usual open-age competition to an age-grade format to really catch talented young players. Football is a serious business, and the youth are the major target in the sector,”he said.
He added that no fewer than 30 outstanding players would be selected from the tournament to engage teams owned by the sponsor of the tournament, Kunle Soname.
Chairman of the Ondo State Football Association (FA), Otunba Dele Ajayi, represented by his Vice hairman, Abimbola Oladimeji, commended Seriki for his contribution to grassroots football development.
“We welcome and support everyone bringing meaningful football development to Ondo State. We will continue to back grassroots programmes that give our young talented players exposure and help improve their careers,”he said.
According to the Chief Operating Officer, Sunday Aladenika, 17 teams will compete for five qualification slots from the Central Senatorial District to reach the Super 8, while four teams from the Southern District will contest for one available slot.
Aladenika revealed that In the Northern Senatorial District, three clubs would battle for a single qualification slot.
He added d that One best loser across the three senatorial districts will complete the eight teams for the Super 8 tournament, to be staged later in Akure, the state capital.
Preliminary matches will be held across the three senatorial districts before the Super 8 finale in Akure.
Teams by Senatorial District
Ondo Central:
Elite FC, 360 FC, Akure United, Muyi Stars, Haslat FC, Royal Gold, Young Kings, Idanre United, Ondo East United, Ondo East Young Stars, Diamond FC Ogbese, Academy FC, Benfad FC, L&B FC, Ipole FC, Lions FC, Barrack Eagles.
Ondo North:
Real Ifon, City Roller, Obele FA.
Ondo South:
Mighty Sparrow, TSM FA Okitipupa, Opeyemi Ore, Balogun.