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Emmanuel Adebayor: Former Premier League striker on helping Togo's next generation

Emmanuel Adebayor: Former Premier League striker on helping Togo's next generation

Adebayor: Helping Togo young players

Former Togo international Emmanuel Adebayor is passionate about supporting Togo youngsters to reach their potential and make a living from the game.

The ex-Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham striker established the SEA (Sports, Education and Art) Foundation in 2016 to provide financial and logistical support to young Togolese.

His foundation runs a football academy, school and provides career opportunities for talented youngsters.

SEA's success

The foundation's football academy has produced several players including Gilles Sunu, currently in the Arsenal academy and part of the France youth set-up.

SEA was started in 2016 with 100 students and has now grown to accommodate 2,000.

Students at the academy receive 90 minutes of football training each day alongside their academic work, with the best players rewarded with trips to Europe.

Adebayor on his inspiration

“I grew up in poverty, so I wanted to give back,” Adebayor said. “I want to give these kids the opportunity to make a living from football.

“I want to give them the skills and the education so that they can fulfil their potential. I want to help them to be successful both on and off the pitch.”

The former Premier League star added: “We have a lot of talented young players in Togo, but they need support to reach their potential. I hope that SEA can provide that support and help them to achieve their dreams.”