The Taiwo Awoniyi Foundation has donated football boots to 350 young players participating in the Kwara Kiddies League (KKL) to support grassroots football development and encourage emerging talents.
The initiative, established by Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi, is aimed at providing young footballers with essential equipment to improve their participation in training and competitive matches.
The distribution took place in Ilorin on Saturday and attracted commendation from the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Bolakale Mogaji, who praised the footballer for investing in youth development.
Mogaji, who participated in the exercise, said the donation highlighted the importance of partnerships between established sports personalities and grassroots programmes.
He noted that access to equipment and development opportunities could help young players improve their skills and pursue their football ambitions. He also expressed hope that Awoniyi’s example would inspire other successful athletes to invest in sports development within their communities.
The Chief Operating Officer of the Kwara Kiddies League, Ibrahim Jatto, thanked the foundation on behalf of the league’s more than 500 young players.
“On behalf of the over 500 young players in the Kwara Kiddies League, I sincerely appreciate the Taiwo Awoniyi Foundation for its generous donation of football boots to our players,” Jatto said.
He disclosed that the foundation had supported the league over the years through donations of playing kits, meals and cash rewards worth millions of naira for outstanding players.
Jatto described the latest donation as a valuable contribution to the development of the young participants, many of whom aspire to pursue professional football careers.
He also highlighted the league’s efforts to increase players’ exposure through subscriptions to Wyscout and Eyeball, platforms used to showcase football talent and connect players with wider opportunities.
“With increased visibility through our league’s subscriptions on Wyscout and Eyeball, your continued support is helping create greater opportunities for these young talents,” he said.
Awoniyi’s parents, Mary and Solomon Awoniyi, attended the event and witnessed the distribution of the boots.
The striker, who plays for Coventry City, also serves as chairman of the Kwara Kiddies League, maintaining an active role in identifying and nurturing young football talent.
The donation adds to the foundation’s ongoing support for the league, with organisers hoping that continued investment in equipment, training and exposure will help more young players develop their abilities and advance in the sport.
