Lagos begins multi-sport trials to scout talents for 2025 Youth Games
The Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) has launched its “Catch-Them-Young” multi-sports trials, a major initiative aimed at identifying and nurturing young athletic talent ahead of the 2025 National Youth Games (NYG) in Asaba, Delta State.
The programme, which began several weeks ago across various sports facilities in Lagos, targets children aged 9 to 14 years. It spans a wide range of sporting disciplines, including track and field, swimming, gymnastics, boxing, weightlifting, football, basketball, table tennis, badminton, chess, ayo, and others.
Speaking during one of the track and field trials held in Lagos, the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Lekan Fatodu, highlighted the long-term goal of the initiative. He said the programme is part of the state’s strategy to build a sustainable sports development pipeline.
“The ‘Catch-Them-Young’ programme reflects our commitment to grassroots sports development,” Fatodu said. “We believe every child in Lagos has the potential to become a world champion, and this trial system is designed to turn those possibilities into reality.”
He added that the initiative is not only about building a competitive team for the 2025 NYG but also about creating a lasting legacy of sports excellence and structured talent grooming in Lagos.
Mr. Fatodu also revealed that LSSC is in talks with international sports development organisations to offer promising athletes broader training exposure and opportunities beyond local competitions.
The programme includes well-structured training camps and places strong emphasis on strict adherence to age eligibility rules. The commission is prioritising disciplines in which Lagos has historically shown strength and potential for medals.
The LSSC reiterated that the trials are open, transparent, and designed to give every eligible child across the state a fair chance to be part of Lagos’ future sports success.
