Union Bank of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment and education through its sponsorship of the 11th edition of the Greensprings Football Academy. The five-day camp, which ran from April 13 to April 17, 2025, was held at Greensprings School’s Lekki campus and brought together young talents aged 5 to 17.
Participants received expert football coaching from international professionals affiliated with the West Bromwich Albion Football Club, the Dutch Football Association, and the English Football League (EFL). Nigerian football icon Victor Ikpeba and coaches from the Lagos State Football Association also lent their expertise to the training sessions.
The camp concluded with a colorful closing ceremony on April 17, attended by notable personalities from the football community, including Laimeed Gafar, Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association, and West Bromwich Albion coaches Samuel Jake Whitmore, Jordan Hall, and Owen Jones.
Bukola Ayeni, Lead, External Communications at Union Bank, emphasized the bank’s commitment through the Edu360 platform. “Union Bank is proud to sponsor the Greensprings Football Academy under our Edu360 initiative. This aligns with one of our core values of being community focused. Edu360 promotes quality education—formal and informal, including sports—and supports SDG 4 on Quality Education,” she said.
Mrs. Lai Koiki, Founder and CEO of Greensprings School, highlighted the broader goal of the academy. “We are being future-ready; we are preparing the youth for the future—in football and leadership,” she stated.
Victor Ikpeba praised the initiative, noting, “This is a school that empowers boys and girls in education, especially football.”
With a history of nurturing players who have gone on to represent Nigeria at the Under-17 level, the Greensprings Football Academy continues to build a strong legacy. This year’s top performers, Alabi Aliami and Ayodeji Boluwatife, were recognized with virtual training sessions and other development opportunities.
Union Bank’s involvement in the Greensprings Football Academy through Edu360 highlights its commitment to community impact, education, and youth development—key pillars in its more than a century-old legacy.