According to a news report from Channels, the Kwara Kiddies YEG League has secured a four-year sponsorship deal with Nigeria Super Eagles striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, and his elder brother’s team, Unicorns Football Club.

The sponsorship was formalised with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the league organisers, the Nottingham Forest striker, and Unicorns FC in Ilorin.

The event, which drew football stakeholders from across the state, underscored the league's prominent status as the largest kiddies league in Nigeria. This sponsorship marks another significant step in Awoniyi's ongoing efforts to contribute to football development and give back to society.

Now in its third season, the league is designed as a foundation platform that will herald a new crop of talents and the next generation of football big stars that will make fame and fortune from the round leather game through a 5-year developmental progressive plan.

With the infusion of data and performance charts of players and teams, the league also has a comprehensive model that leverages media and digital footprints to promote the players and reach a wider audience.

The league practically focuses on the progression of players from the U-12 category through U-17 and exposes footballers to the rigours of competitive football in an enabling environment to enhance their development and help them maximize their talents.

Ibrahim Jatto, the Chief Operating Officer of the Kwara Kiddies YEG League described the sponsorship deal as a watershed in the history of grassroots football development in Nigeria.

He noted that the presence of the Super Eagles star will inspire the younger players to go for their dreams as he is widely admired as their role model.

“The league has not only found a worthy partner and sponsor in Taiwo Awoniyi but also a valuable asset that will bring about transformation to the league and give all kids the needed jump.

For Awoniyi, his focus is to help many grassroots footballers in his home state of Kwara to achieve their dream of playing at the top, a journey which he believes will be smoothened and strengthened.

“This initiative is a wonderful one and I am very pleased to be part of it. I believe this will really help a lot of players in their journey to stardom,” Jatto said.

Awoniyi stated that his joy will be to see the league produce many other players like him, who will in turn give back to society.

The third season of the Kwara Kiddies YEG League will commence with 14 teams.