Ekanem Yellow Duke's Dedication Ensures Growth of Under-17 Volleyball Talent in Lagos
The coach and founder of Core Play Volleyball Academy, Ekanem Yellow Duck, is on a mission to secure sponsors for her annual under-17 volleyball competition. Currently funded with personal means, she aims to expand the reach of the event beyond Abesan Estate, Lagos.
Despite having previously played at a high level and being proud of it, Yellow Duke prefers to focus on developing young talents in her community now. “I don’t want to dwell on my past as a player because I am more focused on coaching and nurturing young ones,” she shared during a recent interview with Sports247 Nigeria.
The Academy's Impact
Yellow Duke has been running the Core Play Volleyball Academy for three years. The academy’s annual under-17 competition, which targets both boys and girls within Lagos State, has seen its fair share of challenges but continues to flourish with modest support from Samaritan’s Feet, an American organization.
Sponsorship Needs
More than personal funds, Yellow Duke is seeking broader support. “I’m looking for sponsors to help me expand my reach and impact,” she said, adding that running the competition has been difficult but not impossible thanks to some initial help from Samaritan’s Feet.
Annual Competition Details:Leveraging past experiences, Ekanem hopes to grow her initiative into a bigger statewide event. This year alone, over 100 young volleyball players have participated in their annual competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of support is Yellow Duck seeking?
Ekanem seeks financial and logistical support for both the academy operations and the upcoming under-17 competition to broaden its scope.
How long has Ekanem been involved in youth volleyball development?
The Core Play Volleyball Academy was founded three years ago, primarily by Yellow Duke herself with minimal external funding.