When I think of my 70-year-old dad and his perspective on football, it often strikes me as a bit peculiar. He's definitely old school, always insisting that football was better in his day. While I often felt like I should be heading out with my friends to the stadium or the local viewing center, there was something in my dad's eyes that stopped me—a kind of loneliness that lingered. I realized how much he cherished our football debates and the moments we spent watching games together on TV. I began to think about it, this could be an opportunity!!
My dad was not just a fan; he was an ardent football lover, having played for Marine FC in the 60s and the Red Devils—the old Nigeria national team. Whenever he heard that the Dynamos Boys Club was playing a match, he would walk to the nearby school field. There, he would meet a few peers, and the younger lads would kindly get chairs for them to sit and enjoy the game. These moments were precious to him. It made me wonder how many more of these "oldies" were around town, longing for similar experiences. We often talk about "catching them young," but what about "catching them old"?
The Birth of a Lucrative Idea
There are countless seniors who still love football but feel too old to be involved. In reality, they might not be too old at heart. Many still yearn to engage, but their busy children and energetic teenage grandchildren rarely have the time to cater to their desires. This presented a fantastic opportunity—an opportunity to create a welfare business for the oldies while also generating a significant income.
I envisioned a Veteran Football Club, a place where the "old boys" could socialize again. I knew my dad would gladly pay any price for such membership. So, I decided to rent a facility at Shodex Garden, which had about a quarter of a normal football field, a restaurant with a flat-screen TV, and good amenities.
A Dream Turned Reality
To promote the Veteran Football Club, I distributed flyers in churches, hospitals, and pension offices. The response was astounding. Within just two weeks, over 20 "old boys" had paid a membership fee of N100,000 each. Their children were eager to support them, and the members themselves contributed to purchasing state-of-the-art equipment, balls, jerseys, and other training facilities.
The club operates three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, with additional gatherings for interesting football matches. The old boys train for 45 minutes if they're able, then head to the restaurant to watch classic matches from the 60s and early 70s, reminiscing about heroes like Pelé, Eusébio, and Beckenbauer. They also enjoy old tunes and updates about musicians from their era. Occasionally, I organize novelty matches with nearby Lions or Rotary clubs.
A New Lease on Life
The Veteran Football Club has breathed new life into these seniors, and we can barely accommodate the influx of members eager to join. What started as a flash of inspiration from my dad has transformed into a thriving six to seven-figure business. It's incredible how a simple idea has turned into something so rewarding.
If you're inspired by this story, you too can start your own veteran club in your area. It's a welfare initiative that pays in millions and brings countless other rewards. Who knows? One of the oldies might just leave you their entire estate one day! Ah ah ah ah ah ah!
