Senate President U-18 Cup gets corporate boost as GRASOF appoints Stallionpole

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...GRASOF seeks stronger corporate backing for grassroots football initiative

By Maxwell Kumoye 
 
 

The push to attract major corporate investment into grassroots football has received a boost following the appointment of StallionPole Media Limited to lead sponsorship mobilisation for the 2026 Senate President U-18 National Unity Cup.

The Grassroots Sports Federation (GRASOF), organisers of the competition in collaboration with the Office of the President of the Senate, engaged the media and sports marketing firm as Tournament Support and Sponsorship Mobilisation Consultant ahead of the tournament.

The competition is scheduled to take place in Akwa Ibom State from October 25 to November 1, 2026, with teams of young footballers expected to compete for honours while scouts and stakeholders have an opportunity to identify emerging talents.

Beyond the football action, GRASOF says it wants the tournament to become a credible platform for youth development, talent identification and national integration.

GRASOF National President and Tournament Coordinator, Honourable John Bassey Ekpenyong, said the tournament was conceived with a broader purpose than competition on the pitch.

According to him, the initiative is intended to create opportunities for young Nigerians while contributing to the development of the country’s grassroots football structure.

Ekpenyong expressed confidence that StallionPole Media would help bring the private sector closer to the project and establish partnerships capable of supporting the tournament beyond a single edition.

StallionPole Media CEO, Honourable Anieokpon Ekpo says, the assignment represents an opportunity to connect commercial interests with a meaningful youth development programme.

“Our responsibility is not simply to look for sponsors; it is to build meaningful partnerships that create value for sponsors while delivering measurable impact for the young people at the heart of this tournament.”

Ekpo also praised the President of the 10th Senate, Chief Dr. Godswill O. Akpabio, for what he described as an intentional commitment to grassroots football and youth development.

With the sponsorship campaign now underway, StallionPole Media is targeting banks, telecommunications companies, oil and gas firms, government institutions, sports brands, foundations, development organisations and other corporate stakeholders interested in investing in youth and sport.

The partnership package is expected to provide participating organisations with opportunities for brand exposure, media visibility, grassroots activation, community engagement and tournament branding.

GRASOF and StallionPole Media believe stronger private-sector participation can help turn the Senate President U-18 Unity Cup from a football tournament into a lasting talent-development platform.

The next generation of Nigerian football talent could be on these pitches. Now is the time to invest in them.

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