National Juvenile Football Competition Kicks Off October 2

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has officially launched the National U15 Championship which kicks off at the various regional centers on October 2, 1016.

The launch which took place on Monday at the GFA Headquarters will be the first National Under 15 competition to commence a four year agenda of youth development system.

Acting President of the Ghana Football Association, George Afriyie who launched the programme said Kwesi Nyantekyi, the substantive president's vision of developing youth football when he was re-elected is going to be realized and a brighter future awaits Ghana football as the grassroots development will ensure the grooming of super stars.

Chairman of the National Juvenile League and Vice Chairman of the Black Starlets management committee Lawyer Kweku Eyiah who had conducted a nationwide tour said Ghana abounds in massive soccer talents who must be given the right tutorials at a tender age so that they grow with it.

George Afriyie, speaking on behalf of Kwesi Nyantekyi who is on CAF duty in Egypt hinted that young referees will also be trained to officiate during the championship.

"This vision will see young referees who are almost of the same age with the players, trained to handle the matches when the championship kicks off," George Afriyie stressed.

16 teams will be articipating in the competition nationwide on regional basis in two zones. The Northern Zone will be made up of teams from Ashanti A, Ashanti B, Brong Ahafo A, Brong Ahafo B, Upper East, Upper West, Northern and Utrecht Academy.

The Southern Zone will consist of Greater Accra A, Greater, Accra B, Central, Western, Eastern, Volta, Unistar Academy and Winneba Academy.

George Afriyie revealed that each participating team will receive the following from the GFA through FIFA ahead of the league; 2 Sets of jerseys, 2 goalkeepers gloves, 40 bibs, 40 shin guards, 40 pair of socks, 20 pair of boots, 15 balls and 1 ball bag.

Last week some juvenile coaches drawn nationwide were trained by the FA to coach the various teams that will be taking part in the league.

Coach Oti Akenteng, Technical Director of the GFA said the young players and referees have an opportunity to display their talents and they will certainly contribute to the national football teams.

Retired referee Laryea also said the current game needs people who are fit and can run over 90 minutes, so it is a laudable venture which young players and referees must take advantage as well as sustain it.

Ibrahim Sannie Dara, the PRO of the GFA expressed that this is the beginning of greater things to come and soon the girls will follow.