President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and CAF 2nd Vice President, Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, has reaffirmed the GFA’s commitment to grassroots football development in Ghana, describing it as a vital foundation for the future of the sport in the country.
In an interview aired on Metro TV, Okraku expressed excitement about the strides made at the juvenile and grassroots levels, noting the rapid increase in the number of Colts Clubs and young footballers participating in organized competitions nationwide.
As we speak, football is being played at all levels. The number of Colts Clubs and players have increased exponentially. Now Colts football is being played everywhere,.Okraku remarked.
He emphasized the importance of introducing children to the sport at a tender age and highlighted the GFA’s efforts in bringing football to the district level through the FIFA Talent Identification Programme. This initiative seeks to scout, nurture, and develop young football talent across the country.
Okraku also revealed that the GFA has established football academies at key locations including Big Boss in Bolgatanga, Prempeh College in Kumasi, and Achimota School in Accra. These academies are part of the broader strategy to harness young talent and prepare them for professional and international football careers.
It’s work in progress, but I am excited about the future, he added, underlining the association’s vision to build a solid football ecosystem from the grassroots upward.
The GFA president’s remarks come at a time when the association is intensifying its focus on youth football development and expanding opportunities for young players through structured competitions and talent development programs.