By admin 
Former Pablo FC of Bariga and one-time Super Eagles B player Steven Jude, through his newly established foundation, the STEPHEN JUDE FOUNDATION, has gifted four grassroots football academies in Bariga new sets of jerseys.
Stephen, who was the captain of his boyhood club, Pablo FC, is a very popular figure in Bariga and environs. He had a breakthrough season with NPFL side Kwara United FC in the 2021/2022 season, netting thirteen goals and ten assists from midfield.
His performance in the league campaign for Kwara United FC of Ilorin earned him a national call-up for the Super Eagles B (home-based Eagles) in 2022.
In a chat with futebol.com.ng, the mercurial midfielder, who was a delight to watch when playing, disclosed why he established his foundation.
The whole idea is to support grassroots teams and players in Bariga in my own little way and, in the future, extend to other communities in Lagos. I’m a product of grassroots football, so I will support grassroots clubs and players whenever I have the opportunity.
When asked about his best grassroots moment, he had this to say: “To be sincere, I had lots of good memories playing football at the grassroots level, but I think the one I cherished most is when we won a trophy when I was the captain of Pablo FC. I was full of joy in that moment. I can say it was one of the moments that kept me going at the grassroots level before signing with a professional team.”
Currently residing in the USA, Stephen Jude encouraged grassroots players, particularly those from Ilaje – Bariga, to have faith in themselves and believe that there is nothing God cannot do.
Pablo FC, Immaculate FC, Bariga United FC (formally Allen FC), and Agali FC are all beneficiaries of the new sets of jerseys from the Stephen Jude Foundation, although he promised to reach out to more Bariga teams in the future.
According to Mr Godwin Nse, the Founding Director of Immaculate FC and one of the beneficiaries, Stephen has made significant contributions and is setting an admirable example for aspiring players.
“Jude has demonstrated true love to the Bariga community and grassroots clubs playing in CMS Primary School, Ilaje-Bariga; others will focus only on their boyhood club, but he has carried all the team along. I think he has conveyed the message that all the teams in Bariga should love one another. Personally I appreciate him a lot, and I hope other players will learn from him and give back to their community.”