The beginning of CK Gefane FC’s journey was nothing short of remarkable. In a city like Kaduna, where resources were scarce and access to proper football infrastructure was limited, establishing a high-level youth football academy required hard work, perseverance, and vision. For the club’s founder, Mrs. Akadri Bilikisu Blessing, the dream of creating a premier football academy for young talents was going to take more than just a passion for the game—it would take a bold strategy and years of effort to turn this vision into a reality.

The Initial Struggles: The Search for a Training Ground

In 2018, as CK Gefane FC began its operations, the club faced its first major challenge: securing a proper training ground. For months, the club had to make do with open fields and small patches of land scattered across the city. While these spaces allowed the team to practice, they were far from ideal. The lack of proper facilities meant that training sessions were often interrupted by weather conditions, and the team’s progress was limited by the inadequate space.

Finding a suitable venue that could accommodate regular training sessions, matches, and development programs was a constant struggle. The early members of CK Gefane FC worked tirelessly to negotiate with local authorities and landowners, but the club’s small budget made it difficult to secure long-term access to quality facilities.

The Breakthrough: Securing the First Official Training Ground

Despite these challenges, Mrs. Blessing and her team remained undeterred. After months of searching, the club secured its first proper training ground. The facility, located in a quieter area of Kaduna, provided a dedicated space for CK Gefane FC to host its practices and matches.

While this new training ground wasn’t anything extravagant, it provided a major boost to the club’s infrastructure. It was a place where players could come together, train as a team, and focus on honing their skills without the interruptions they had experienced in the past. The move to this new ground was a milestone for the club—it signified the beginning of a more professional phase in CK Gefane’s journey.

The Importance of a Dedicated Space for Youth Development

The first official training ground wasn’t just about having a physical space—it symbolized CK Gefane FC’s commitment to player development. The club’s leadership knew that a dedicated venue was essential for creating an environment where young players could thrive. It was here that the youth academy began to take shape, with young players arriving each day eager to learn and improve.

Over time, the training ground became a space for more than just football—it was a hub for personal growth, discipline, and camaraderie. The coaches were able to provide more structured training sessions, focusing not just on technical skills but also on instilling values like teamwork, perseverance, and leadership.

The Role of Local Support and Partnerships

Securing the first training ground was made possible in part by the support of local businesses and individuals who believed in the club’s mission. Many of CK Gefane’s early supporters helped with logistical support, offering resources like transportation, equipment, and even food for the players during practice sessions.

In addition, the local community rallied behind the club. Parents and families saw the value of what CK Gefane FC was doing and recognized that the club provided their children with opportunities they wouldn’t have elsewhere. The training ground became a source of pride for the local community, with people often coming to watch the practices and cheer on the young players.

Growth Beyond the Ground: The Foundation for Future Success

As the club settled into its first official training ground, the next challenge was to continue expanding and improving its infrastructure. CK Gefane FC began to invest in better equipment, coaching staff, and programs to enhance player development. The growth of the training ground was matched by the growth of the academy itself, with more players enrolling and more coaches coming on board to help them develop.

Looking back, the establishment of the first training ground in 2018 marked a pivotal point in CK Gefane FC’s journey. It was a place where young players could start to realize their dreams, and it became a symbol of the club’s unwavering commitment to providing young athletes with the resources and opportunities they needed to succeed.