Queens Park Rangers winger Albert Adomah has revealed that he did not believe in social media until he was persuaded to join.
The 33-year-old launched his Twitter and Instagram accounts in May 2020, and he has been constantly promoting his football skills on the platforms.
The winger, who scored two goals in 34 Championship games last season, said that his social media involvement began during the coronavirus pandemic lockdown in 2020, when football activities were halted.
“I always said I’d never go on social media," Adomah told Express and Star. "After matches we’d be sat in the dressing room, team-mates would go straight on social media and I would think: ‘Don’t they have lives?’
“Somehow I got talked into it. That is where it started with the skills challenges during the first lockdown.
“People are stuck at home and can’t really have fun. I thought, why not do some skills and show what I can do not just on the pitch but off the pitch too?"
Adomah was motivated to establish a football competition by his frequent online engagement, and he is willing to award and encourage the young participants.
The five-a-side competition will be divided into two age groups, one for players aged 11 to 14, and the other for those aged 15 to 22.
“This tournament is about trying to get that social media audience involved in a physical way," he continued.
“If someone comes along and gets scouted, that is something I would be very proud of. But just taking part, that is the most important thing.”
Adomah recalled how he developed his skills before he became a professional.
“Parks football, cage football, amateur, Sunday football – you name it, I played it,” the ex-Aston Villa star added.
“I really just wanted to do something to get youngsters involved, just give them an opportunity really. I’ve invited my agent and a few others and who knows, they might spot someone?
“Players do get missed. QPR were my team growing up and I used to play on the cage pitches right next to Loftus Road.”