About Touchline
Touchline started with a simple idea - give Lagos players a stage worthy of their ability.
The Story
Lagos has always had the talent. What it needed was the platform.
Touchline was founded by Damilola Atere under 53 Collective with a clear mission - create a grassroots football tournament that felt premium, competitive, and unmistakably Lagos. No compromise on production. No compromise on the football.
The first edition set the tone. Each year since, the standard has risen. Touchline IV brought nearly 900 people to Children International School and established the tournament as the city's most anticipated grassroots football event.
Touchline V is not just the next edition. It is the proof of concept made permanent.
The Format
Touchline runs a 7-a-side format across a single day of competition. Teams are drawn into groups, battle through knockouts, and the best side walks away as Touchline champions.
Squad sizes of 10 to 12 recommended to cover availability on the day.
Teams progress through a group phase, then straight knockout rounds until one champion remains.
The whole tournament runs over a single day at Children International School, Lagos.
The Mission
Touchline is the sporting event. The community is the product.
We believe grassroots football in Lagos deserves world-class treatment - in production, in experience, and in the brands it attracts. Every edition is designed to raise that bar. For the players who train for this. For the fans who fill the stands. For the sponsors who want to reach them.
The Team
Founder & Principal, 53 Group
Managing Partner, Football Operations
Managing Partner, Football Operations
Managing Partner, Finance