How Abdul Sule's journey with Cross Cultures began
Abdul Sule is a former professional football player who has been involved with Cross Cultures program. His journey with Cross Cultures started when he stumbled upon the brochure and programs they offer. “Cross Cultures inspired me the first day I look at the brochure and programs they have and took me to my teen age, where there are no such opportunities then I fell in love and inspired,” he said.
Retired footballers face challenges
As a former professional footballer who played in the top leagues in Denmark, Qatar and Nigeria’s national team, Abdul found himself drawn to Cross Cultures’ approach to football coaching for ex-football players. He noticed that many retired footballers in Nigeria face challenges in finding employment and opportunities to pass on their expertise. “Retired football players face a lot of problems, after retiring from football because they don’t have a job and no coaching knowledge and probably, they get frustrated and lose everything,” he shared.
This realization made Abdul appreciate Cross Cultures’ approach to football coaching. “Cross Cultures have their own way of approaching football, introducing fun into football and creating awareness and togetherness among the youth, and giving opportunities for others to create their own social input in the football programs,” he said. “You will not get tired of it and it’s different from the traditional football program.”
Creating job opportunities
Cross Cultures’ coaching seminars and fun football programs provide job opportunities for retired footballers and give them the education to be professional coaches. “The most valuable aspect of it is creating job opportunities for the ex-players and taking them back to the job they love best and giving them the education to be professional. Bringing a smile back to the ex-players’ life,” Abdul shared.
But Cross Cultures’ impact goes beyond just creating job opportunities for retired footballers. The program also offers training for young people who want to become football coaches. “The mode of coaching is totally different from traditional football coaching because Cross Cultures programs add more value to life itself and give joy to the participants,” Abdul explained. “After the young coaches have gone through the Cross Cultures seminar, they become confident and independent, and willing to give back to society thru the education acquired.”
11 million viewers
Abdul is particularly proud of the success of the Cross Cultures program in Nigeria. “During the programs in Nigeria a lot has been said about the Cross Cultures programs and looking on the internet, there are over 11 million viewers talking about the programs, it’s unbelievable,” he shared.
Cross Cultures’ message is clear: promote peace, integration, and bring people together no matter their religion and race. “Cross Cultures promote peace, and integration and bring people together no matter their religion and race,” Abdul said.
Looking to the future, Abdul sees Cross Cultures’ program evolving and expanding. “With the way Cross Cultures is moving, it’s going to be an eye-opener to the world. Because Cross Cultures is about human ability and knowledge, togetherness,” he said.
"It's about changing lives"
Abdul’s journey with Cross Cultures has been a fulfilling one. His experiences with the program have inspired him to continue to promote peace and integration in his community. Cross Cultures’ approach to football coaching has brought joy and opportunities to many young people and retired footballers in Nigeria. As Abdul says, “Cross Cultures is not just about football, it’s about changing lives.”
