Joel Ajayi
The President of Talent Developer Football Academy, Abuja, Oluwole Babatunde, said the academy has recorded a 40 per cent reduction in soft-tissue injuries following the introduction of new safety reforms during the rainy season.
Babatunde who stated this in an interview on Tuesday in Abuja, said the academy adopted weather-based monitoring using updates from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) to guide training schedules and ensure player safety.
He said the academy had introduced a comprehensive safety, welfare and development plan to protect players and maintain training standards in spite of the adverse weather conditions.
According to him, training sessions are now scheduled for morning and late afternoon to avoid heavy rainfall and lightning risks.
While indoor facilities are used for strength, tactical and mobility drills whenever pitches become waterlogged.
“Our pitch management team conducts daily inspections, while improved drainage systems and sand top-dressing have been introduced to reduce waterlogging and improve playing conditions.
“We do not conduct training during thunderstorms because lightning safety is a top priority.
“ Our coaches are empowered to halt sessions immediately whenever conditions become unsafe,” he said.
Babatunde said players were provided with rain gear and spare clothing, while wet kits were washed and dried the same day to prevent infections and discomfort.
He added that injury prevention measures had been strengthened through extended warm-up routines, proprioception drills and restrictions on high-intensity contact drills on slippery surfaces.
The academy president disclosed that a physiotherapist was available four days weekly, while ice therapy, taping and ankle support were provided for players with minor injuries and joint concerns.
On players welfare and health, Babatunde said the academy had partnered with a nutritionist to improve meal plans with vitamins and immune-boosting diets, while clean drinking water and hygiene education were strictly enforced.
He further said transportation arrangements had been made for Under 15 and Under 17 players during periods of heavy rainfall, including shuttle services and flexible reporting times.
According to him, parents are regularly updated through WhatsApp on any changes to training schedules.
Babatunde added that rainy-day disruptions were converted into opportunities for video analysis sessions, classroom lessons and academic tutoring to support players development on and off the pitch.
He said no weather-related hospital cases had been recorded since the measures were introduced.
On performance expectations, Babatunde said the academy remained focused on player development, discipline and measurable technical and tactical improvement rather than trophies alone.
He added that the academy aimed to produce players capable of securing trials with the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and Nigeria National League (NNL) clubs, state team selections and scholarship opportunities.
Babatunde, who is also the Chairman of the AMAC Football Coaches Council, advised young players in Abuja to remain disciplined, consistent and education-focused, warning against shortcuts to success.
He commended football fans in the Federal Capital Territory for their continued support for grassroots football development.
“We are building players and people, not just results. Consistency, attitude and education will keep any player in the game,” he said.
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