LIRA CITY — Sixteen youth football teams drawn from districts across the Lango sub-region kicked off the inaugural Lango Youth Football Tournament at Barlonyo Playgrounds over the weekend, in what organisers describe as the region's largest grassroots football event in recent years.

The tournament, open to players under the age of 18, features teams from Lira, Apac, Oyam, Dokolo, Alebtong, and Kole districts, competing in a group-stage format over two weeks before knockout rounds determine the eventual champions.

Talent Scouting

Organisers say the tournament was designed partly as a scouting platform, with representatives from regional football academies attending matches to identify promising young players.

"We have a lot of raw talent in this region that never gets seen because there are so few organised competitions at this level," the tournament's lead organiser said. "Our goal is for this to become an annual fixture on the football calendar."

Community Turnout

Opening day matches drew large crowds of spectators, with local vendors setting up stalls around the playgrounds to sell refreshments to fans.

Several team coaches said the tournament had given their players a level of exposure and competitive experience they had not previously had access to, particularly players from more rural sub-counties.

The final is scheduled to take place in two weeks, with local leaders expected to attend and present trophies to the winning team.