Premier League and Division One clubs directed to own juvenile teams

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has written to inform all Premier League and Division One League clubs to own an U-17 juvenile team effective next season.

This decision emerges following a meeting held last month by the Executive Council.

This is to help the clubs to meet part of the regulations of the club licensing board.

According to the council, the decision will offer the country an opportunity to reach its ultimate goal of producing top quality players to compete both locally and abroad.

"All 18 Premier League clubs and 48 Division One League clubs must own a U-17 juvenile club, effective 2021/22 season in line with the Club Licensing regulations," a statement on the FA website read.

"These clubs must compete in the District Juvenile League across the country as part of efforts to move juvenile football to the highest pedestal and to help clubs churn out a host of future stars.

"The decision is also to give young footballers of school-going age access and a pathway to appropriate levels of coaching, training, development and support, to enable us to reach our ultimate goal by producing top quality players to compete both locally and abroad."