The Football Association has selected 20 young match officials for the second edition of the MTN Elite U-19 Championship, providing a major development opportunity for the next generation of referees.
The selection comprises 10 referees and 10 assistant referees under the GFA’s Catch Them Young Referees initiative, with the young officials set to take charge of matches at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram.
The tournament, which brings together 10 U-19 Regional teams, is scheduled to run from August 24 to September 4, 2026, providing an intensive competitive environment for both emerging players and match officials.
The championship represents an important step in the development of the young match officials, offering them the opportunity to officiate high-level youth matches in a structured and competitive environment.
The 11-day championship will bring together the country’s emerging football talents as 10 U-19 Regional teams compete for the coveted title.
Beyond the championship itself, the tournament will provide an important platform for young players to demonstrate their abilities, improve their technical qualities and test themselves against some of the best emerging talents from across the country.
The competition will also offer players an opportunity to attract the attention of national youth team selectors, potentially opening the door to future involvement with Ghana’s youth national teams.
Backed by MTN Ghana, the Elite U-19 Championship has become an important component of the GFA’s youth development strategy.
As part of the GFA’s “Power to the Youth” strategy, the championship represents a significant investment in the future of Ghanaian football, with a clear emphasis on establishing sustainable pathways from grassroots and regional football to the highest levels of the game.
GFA Communications
