Peki Avetile (V/R), April 23, GNA - Mr Tony Kafui Dei, Coach of the SD United FC, a second division football club in the Volta Region on Saturday appealed to the Government and other corporate bodies to support smaller football clubs financially to nurture.

He said since the development of sports originates from the grassroots level, there was the need for more attention to be concentrated at that level to help in its development by providing them with the needed sporting facilities.

Mr Dei said this in an interview with the GNA Sports after interacting with the Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Dr Kwame Ampofo at Peki Avetile.

The coach said, "Gone are the days when sporting activities were organised purely on amateur basis. Sports is now big business and it should be managed as such."

He also called on organisations, Members of Parliament, institutions and the District Assemblies to support sports development in the districts.

Mr Dei said development of sporting amenities required a lot of resources, which cannot be handled alone by the government alone, adding that "It is in this regard that we are calling on all citizens to lend their support to unearth and sustain the interest of the youth in sporting activities."

He commended the Dr Ampofo for donating two footballs and jerseys to the team.

Dr Ampofo called for hard work and improvement of the human resource base of the country.

He condemned the stereotyping of youth development strategies, which he said continued to worsen the plight of the youth, especially in participating in sporting activities. Dr Ampofo also interacted with players and officials of SD United FC.

The MP formed the team in collaboration with the chiefs and other identifiable bodies in the District to foster unity and nurture the talents of the youth.

Dr Ampofo appealed to the Ministry of Education and Sports and the Ministry of Manpower, Youth and Employment to create an enabling environment for career development of the youth, especially for sports men and women.

He stressed the need for the Ministry of Finance to allocate more funds to enable ministries, agencies and departments and the District Assemblies to implement youth sensitisation plans. The MP spoke against outmoded traditional practices that did not allow the youth to exercise their choices in terms of decision-making on health, education, childbirth and marriage.

"Major decisions concerning the youth are done by adults. Today human rights recognises that all human beings have equal rights and that the youth are free to make their own choices." 23 April 05