As CK Gefane FC entered 2022, one of the most significant steps in the club's growth was the expansion of its Youth Academy. The club's leadership, spearheaded by Mrs. Akadri Bilikisu Blessing, realized that sustainable success could only be achieved if the foundation of the club's future was built on developing young talent. The Youth Academy was established as a hub for nurturing future stars, providing them with world-class training, mentorship, and opportunities to progress through the ranks.

The Vision Behind the Academy

The goal of the academy was clear: to create an environment that would allow young players to reach their full potential. It would offer professional coaching, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and a structured pathway to the first team. The academy’s curriculum focused not only on physical training but also on mental conditioning, teamwork, and education.

Mrs. Akadri Bilikisu Blessing’s Reflection:

“The future of CK Gefane FC lies in its youth. We wanted to create a system where young players could come, develop, and know they have the chance to one day play for the senior team. The Youth Academy would be the starting point for many of our future stars.”

Inauguration and Early Success

The Youth Academy was officially inaugurated in late 2022, with an open tryout session that saw over 200 young footballers from across Kaduna compete for spots. From this initial batch, 30 promising players were selected to join the academy, ranging from 12 to 16 years old.

The opening of the academy generated significant local interest, with many parents and young football enthusiasts eager to see their children trained by the club's expert coaches. The academy also served as a recruitment tool for the senior team, with several of the academy’s graduates promoted to the first team within a year.

Key Success Stories from the Academy

By 2023, players like Abubakar Danjuma and Fisayo Olamide were making their mark, quickly rising through the ranks and earning first-team appearances. Their story became one of many examples of how the academy's structured approach could fast-track talented players to the senior level.

Player Testimony (Abubakar Danjuma):

“When I joined the academy, I was just a boy with dreams. The training, the discipline, and the encouragement I received at CK Gefane FC made me believe in myself. Being able to play for the senior team is the culmination of all the hard work we put in every day.”

Academy Facilities and Resources

To ensure that players received top-tier coaching, the club invested in advanced training equipment, including GPS tracking devices to monitor player performance, as well as high-tech video analysis tools for reviewing match footage. The facility also included classrooms where players could learn about nutrition, injury prevention, and other off-field aspects of professional football.

The Future of the Academy

By the end of 2022, the Youth Academy was already being recognized as one of the top development programs in the region, setting the foundation for CK Gefane FC’s long-term success. The academy became a central part of the club’s identity, with Mrs. Akadri Bilikisu Blessing’s vision continuing to drive the program’s growth.