Pepsi Football Academy students from across 14 centres in Nigeria will storm Abeokuta, the Ogun State Capital tomorrow June 11 through Saturday June 13, 2015 to compete for spaces in the annual Pepsi Academy UK Scholarship Scheme.

Pepsi Academy UK Scholarship is a life changing initiative which provides opportunity for outstanding young lads of the Academy to study and play professional soccer at Brooke House College in United Kingdom for two years.

Director Pepsi Football Academy, Chief Kashimawo Laloko described the programme as one of the best things that has ever happened to grassroots football in Nigeria. He said the Pepsi UK Scholarship has been a source of motivation for the youngsters who are keen to take their football careers to Europe.

Head of Marketing, Seven-Up Bottling Company Plc, Mr. Norden Thurston said Pepsi through the Pepsi Academy is committed to identifying and nurturing young talents right from the grassroots to pave way for the next Mikel Obi, Osaze Odemwingie, Elderson Echejile amongst other successful soccer stars who started their careers at the Academy.

“The Pepsi UK Scholarship scheme offers our Pepsi Academy youngsters a once in a life opportunity to study and also play in one of UK’s best high schools. It is a partnership that has endured for 10 years now,” Mr. Thurston said.

Since it began in 2005, more than 15 players have benefited from the programme with Oluwatosin Michael, being the first beneficiary with St Bedes School, UK and Larry Egunjobi already playing professional football in Portugal. Others are plying their trade with major teams in Nigeria and other African leagues. Onuh Morgan Daniel and Agunnubi Abayomi Dada, the two beneficiaries of the 2014 edition are currently at Brooke House College in United Kingdom courtesy of Pepsi.