I tried to attach pictures but they are too heavy.
So just read the report. thanks
The federal capital territory (FCT) children’s cup, an initiative of the Laraba Shown foundation, formally kicked off with the inaugural match between Abuja Children’s Home and Cherry Field College on the 17th of July, 2008 at the Abuja Children’s Home, Karu.
The unseen barricade which keeps Children Living under the custody of the State from freely interacting with Children who live outside the walls of an orphanage necessitated the need for the games as football and sports in general is one of the globally unifying factors existing in the world. Sports have been known as one factor that breaks barriers of race, language, gender and class.
The FCT Children’s cup offers an opportunity of not only unifying children of different backgrounds but also an opportunity for young people to showcase and sell their talents to the rest of the world.

The aims and objectives of the FCT Cup Include:

• To promote integration between children of different backgrounds through sports
• To provide an avenue where young people can develop and display their talents
• Provide mentoring and professional guidance for young people.
• Build self confidence in children to enable them harness their God Giving Potentials
• Foster team spirit, equity and inculcate in young people the values of hard work, dedication and integrity by promoting fair play in all games.
• Promote the spirit of volunteerism and Social responsibility among Nigerians
• To raise money for Charity_ to equip Children’s Libraries and Clinics in some Orphanages in Abuja.

The Game:
The Match started behind schedule, kick off time for the match was originally scheduled for 10.00am but kicked off at 11.30. The delay could be attributed to the late arrival of the Cherry Field team and the weather. However, the match was officially kicked off by Coach Bala Nkiyu, national Coach of the National Under 13 team and Chief Coach, Plateau United Football Club.
Officiated by Coach Godwin Bamiboye, The first half of the match witnessed wonderful performances from both teams but it was the Abuja Children’s home Team who were able to put a goal behind. At half time, scores were 1.0 in favor of Abuja Children’s home.
At half time, the field was open for children and Adults who had come to watch the match to dance to wonderful Nigerian sounds played by the DJ. While the players rested and received pep talks from their coaches.
The referee blew for the commencement of the second half, which showcased another thirty minutes of extra- ordinary display of talents by both teams; two goals were put behind the net by Players Daniel and Jerry both of the ACH team.
Cheery Field college had a chance to reduce their lead when they were awarded a penalty in the 65th minutes but ACH were saved by their goal keeper who kept a clean slate till the referee blew the final whistle at the end of the 70 minute match.
Ms. Aishatu Ella, Team Leader, Laraba Shown Foundation congratulated both teams for an outstanding performance and urged them to use the match experience as a guide in preparing the commencement of the full football season, which will hopefully start in October.
The National Coach, Under 13 Coach Bala Nkiyu expressed delight at the imitative behind the games and stated that he had seen some potential talents and was interested in inviting them for his team trails.
Representatives from partner Organizations: Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria, Society for Family Health, Ken Nnamani Center for Leadership Development, National Youth Council, officials of the British High Commission, Miss Abuja, and Laraba Shown Foundation Volunteer, Ms Rebecca Lopez (who came all the way from United States to help organize the event) and Missionary Friends and Volunteers were on hand to congratulate the team and witness the presentation of Trophy. Cherry Field College Defender Sheriff received the man of the match award. The Captain of Abuja Children’s Home Master Shedrack received the Trophy presented by Miss Abuja on Behalf of his team after which players and fans of the team broke into wild celebration.
There was a barbecue after the match which was an added opportunity for interaction between the Children, visiting team and Adults.

Recommendation
Planning for the next season should commence on time and meetings should be held with interested school principals to draw up a comprehensive and convenient timetable.

Conclusion:
The event was a commendable one. However, it should be better planned and organized in future. There should be prizes for second and third place.