LASG Unveils Nigeria First Grassroots Football Partnerships with UK Community Club Abbey Rangers

The Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) has announced a groundbreaking partnership between the Lagos State Government and Abbey Rangers Football Club, a renowned community football institution in the United Kingdom. This landmark collaboration sets a new benchmark for grassroots football development in Nigeria, marking the nation’s first structured link with a UK community football club at the grassroots level. The initiative aims to provide young athletes and technical officials with access to international training, global exposure, and sustainable career development opportunities.

Under this strategic alliance, Abbey Rangers FC will work closely with the Lagos State Sports Commission to implement a comprehensive grassroots development framework built around seven core pillars talent development, coaching capacity enhancement, sports science integration, community engagement, policy advisory support, resource mobilisation, and infrastructure optimisation. This holistic approach goes beyond traditional football training, seeking to build a sustainable sports ecosystem that supports athlete development at every level, from technical education to performance analytics.

The collaboration will roll out statewide scouting programmes across schools and communities, offering technical training, scholarships, and all-round athlete support. It will also introduce an athlete mentorship scheme connecting professional coaches and players with emerging talents to guide them in discipline, skill improvement, and career navigation. This ensures that every talent discovered receives structured developmental support, creating a lasting impact on grassroots sports in Lagos.

Speaking at the unveiling, the Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Lekan Fatodu, described the partnership as a major milestone in the state’s vision to build a sustainable and inclusive sports ecosystem. He commended the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his visionary leadership and continued investment in sports. Fatodu stated that the partnership reflects Lagos’ deliberate effort to align with global best practices in grassroots sports development and create a knowledge bridge for athletes, coaches, and administrators.

The Chairman of Abbey Rangers Football Club, Mr. Nick Riley, expressed excitement about the collaboration, describing it as a meaningful opportunity to bridge cultures and enhance grassroots football in Nigeria. He noted that Abbey Rangers’ community-driven model aligns perfectly with Lagos State’s vision for youth empowerment and talent growth. According to him, the initiative will not only raise coaching standards and create opportunities for young athletes but also strengthen cross-cultural ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. The Lagos–Abbey Rangers partnership stands as a bold step toward transforming Lagos into a leading hub for sports excellence in Africa.