The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to grassroots football development, unveiling a comprehensive package of interventions designed to empower Regional Football Associations (RFAs), District Football Associations (DFAs), and Colts Clubs across the country.
Addressing the 31st Ordinary Session of Congress at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram, GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku outlined a series of initiatives under the theme “Power to the Youth”, aimed at equipping the game’s foundation with the tools, skills, and resources needed for sustained growth.
The support package includes the free registration of the first 30 Colts players in each age category (U-13, U-15, and U-17), amounting to 90 players per club, as well as the free training of 900 Colts coaches over the next three years—a programme already in its second year.
Capacity building remains a cornerstone of the initiative, with the GFA offering free training for Media Officers of all DFAs, administrative training for DFA officials, and first-aid training for staff of both DFAs and RFAs. To ensure fair and professional officiating, refereeing fees for Colts Clubs will also be covered by the Association.
Additional support measures include the provision of medals, plaques and trophies for RFA leagues, continued KGL sponsorship of the U-17 Colts Championship and the acceptance of NHIS cards as proof of identity for player registration—making participation more accessible to young players nationwide.
In recognition of the administrative demands at the regional level, the GFA will continue to provide monthly subventions to RFAs, along with monthly allowances for RFA Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen. The plan also includes the training of regional scouts and development coaches, as well as the continuation of the Game Centre approach, which streamlines match organisation and monitoring.
“These initiatives are central to our strategy of building a well-equipped, knowledgeable and resilient football ecosystem from the grassroots upward,” Okraku stated. “Our youth represent the future of Ghanaian football, and we are determined to provide them with the platform, the guidance, and the resources to succeed.”
With these measures, the GFA is reinforcing its mission to develop football talent at the base level while creating sustainable pathways for young players to progress into the professional game.
GFA Communications
