Eddy Fernandes, a former Red Star player, has unveiled a charitable initiative aimed at founding a football academy for underprivileged children in Cape Verde, marking the 50th anniversary of the island nation’s independence with a weekend celebration of sport and culture.
The event, spearheaded by the Show Di Bola association—created by Fernandes himself—will be held on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 April at the Charles Auray Stadium in Pantin, France.
The two-day programme, running from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., will blend athletic competition with cultural pride, reflecting both the heritage of the Cape Verdean diaspora and a commitment to social empowerment.
Attendees will be treated to an 11-a-side football tournament, vibrant musical and dance performances, cultural exhibitions, and traditional Cape Verdean cuisine.
Open to the public with a symbolic €3 entry fee, the event is more than a celebration—it is a fundraising platform designed to transform the lives of Cape Verdean youth through education and football.
The central objective of the event is to raise funds for the establishment of a football academy in Cape Verde, targeting young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Fernandes, now 34, views the project as both a tribute to his roots and a tangible way to invest in the future of Cape Verdean children.
“This event is deeply personal to me,” Fernandes said. “Football has been part of my life since I was a child, and I understand how difficult it is for a young player to reach a professional level, especially when resources are limited.
Helping create an academy in Cape Verde is a real honour. It’s about more than football—it’s about giving back, about connecting people, and about celebrating our culture.”
The former professional, who has worn the colours of Red Star and various other French clubs during his career, hopes this initiative will resonate within both the Cape Verdean and wider communities.
“Through this weekend, we want to shine a light on our culture and invite people from all walks of life to join us. We want to share our passion, our food, our music—and most importantly, our vision for the future of Cape Verdean youth,” he added.
The initiative comes at a symbolic time, as Cape Verde commemorates half a century of independence.
For Fernandes and his team, the project represents a convergence of heritage and hope, aiming to create a long-lasting legacy that reaches beyond sport.
With community engagement at its heart, the Show Di Bola association intends to continue this momentum beyond the weekend event.
The success of the academy project, according to Fernandes, depends on continued support, partnerships, and the shared belief that football can be a powerful force for social change.
“This isn’t a one-time event,” Fernandes emphasised. “It’s the beginning of something bigger—a movement that connects identity, solidarity, and opportunity.”
As the Easter weekend approaches, organisers are encouraging wide participation, with hopes that the event will serve as both a festive gathering and a powerful step toward realising a dream rooted in community, sport, and national pride.
