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29.03.2010 General News

Right to Dream Academy inaugurates new site

29.03.2010 LISTEN
By GNA

Old Akrade, March 28, GNA - Ms Akua Sena Dansua, Minister of Youth and Sports on Saturday inaugurated the new site for the construction of 'Right to Dream Soccer Academy' at Old Akrade, near Akosombo.

The new state-of-the-art facility estimated at 1.5 million US Dollars is situated on portions of the 36-acre plot, which will boast of a training pitch, classrooms, information technology laboratory, dinning hall, dormitory and staff houses.

Ms Dansua pledged Government's support for the success of the Academy because of its objective of combining sports and education for the benefit of the youth who are the future leaders of the country and will require every assistance and support to develop their talents.

She urged the scouting team of the Academy to adhere strictly to the criterion of selection of pupils in terms of the geographical spread, transparency, merit and attention to the less privileged in society.

The Minister of Youth and Sports also advised the current pupils to take their lessons seriously and to be disciplined to achieve greater heights for their families and the nation as a whole.

The Academy, a brainchild of Tom Vernon, one-time head coach of Accra Great Olympics is aimed at nurturing football talents of young Ghanaian footballers as well as providing them with quality education.

Vernon, Founder of the Academy in an address at the inauguration, reiterated his outfit's commitment to "ensure that every pupil fulfils his maximum potential and to be empowered to make a meaningful and lifelong contribution to the country.

He said the Academy which started 11 years ago has 21 of their pupils continuing their education at higher institutions abroad.

"We have 15 pupils continuing their education at university level in the USA, another six at a University in England, and as now the value of scholarships we have raised for our pupils around the world stands at over 4.5 million dollars."

Vernon said it is his outfit's vision and plans to put up more dormitories, an international standard pitch and a sports science department equipped with the latest medical and technical facilities in the next two years.

He also announced that there are plans to venture into other sporting disciplines such as Girls football, athletics, boxing and a Paralympics.

Kwesi Nyantakyi, President of Ghana Football Association (GFA) commended the management of the Academy for the 'wonderful project', and also assured them of the support of the country's football governing body.

He said the principles of the Academy are in tandem with the GFA's objective of developing football at the grassroots level and pledged its collaboration for its success.

Paul Ryan, Director of External Affairs of Vodafone Ghana Limited announced that the cellular company has struck a three-year partnership agreement with Right to Dream Academy to support their activities.

He said Vodafone's decision to partner the Academy is due to the uniqueness of the project and the fact that it sits well with their brand values.

Mr Ryan added that the objectives of the Academy also align with his outfits values on corporate responsibility.

The Right to Dream Academy, a 'not for profit' organization was established 10 years ago to offer disadvantaged children the opportunity to develop their skills and talents whilst striving for academic excellence.

The Academy currently has a pupil population of about 80 boys drawn from all parts of the country.

GNA

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