In a bid to bolster grassroots development and talent identification, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced that each Premier League club in the country will receive Gh50,000 to establish an under-17 (U-17) side to participate in district U-17 leagues.
This exciting news was revealed by the President of the GFA, Kurt Okraku, during the 29th Congress held in Kumasi.
The initiative aims to create a pathway for young players to progress through the ranks and eventually represent their senior teams.
Okraku emphasised that the U-17 teams would adopt the names of their respective senior clubs, allowing for seamless integration and strengthening the bond between the youth and professional sides.
For example, Accra Hearts of Oak’s U-17 team will be known as Hearts U-17; Asante Kotoko Sporting Club’s U-17 team will be known as Kotoko U-17; Real Tamale United’s U-17 team will be known as RTU U-17; and so on.
To facilitate the transportation of the U-17 teams to various match venues, Okraku added that each Premier League club will be provided with a bus.
This logistical support ensures that the young players can focus on their development and participation in the district U-17 leagues without the added burden of arranging transportation.
President Okraku also outlined an incentive system designed to reward Premier League clubs for promoting U-17 players to their senior squads.
According to him, if a minimum of two players from the U-17 team are elevated to the senior side and participate in a minimum of 15 matches, the respective club will receive an additional Gh50,000.
This ambitious plan from the Ghana Football Association demonstrates a commitment to nurturing young talent and providing a structured pathway for their development.
By investing in U-17 teams at the grassroots level and aligning them closely with their senior counterparts, the GFA aims to ensure a steady supply of talented players for the future, strengthening both club and national football.
The implementation of these measures will not only enhance the quality of football at the grassroots level but also contribute to the overall growth and competitiveness of the sport in Ghana.
SOURCE: GetSportsgh
