The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has presented medals, plaques, and trophies to all ten Regional Football Associations (RFAs) to celebrate winners of the 2024/25 juvenile (Colts) league season.
The awards ceremony, held at the GFA Secretariat in Accra, brought together key figures in Ghanaian football. Leading the occasion was GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, flanked by Vice President Mark Addo and Executive Council members Nana Sarfo Oduro and Kingsley Osei Bonsu.
They were joined by the Chairmen of the ten RFAs, who formally received the items on behalf of their respective regions.
This ceremony not only highlighted the success of the season’s youth competitions but also served as a powerful endorsement of the GFA’s long-standing dedication to nurturing young football talent across the country.
In partnership with the KGL Foundation, which generously donated the awards, the GFA distributed a total of 720 medals. 30 gold and silver each to the champions and runners-up of the ten Regional Colts Championships.
This year’s package also included medals for the Girls Colts Championships held in the Greater Accra and Northern Regions, reinforcing the GFA’s increasing focus on inclusivity and gender equality in sports.
In addition to the team awards, individual brilliance was celebrated through the presentation of 24 commemorative plaques.
These were awarded to the Top Scorers and Players of the Tournament from each of the ten regional boys’ competitions, as well as the girls’ championships in the Greater Accra and Northern Regions.
These recognitions serve not only as a reward for hard work and talent but also as motivation for young players aspiring to reach the top of the game.
Power to the Youth
The awards initiative falls under the GFA’s broader “Power to the Youth” agenda, a comprehensive youth development framework designed to reposition grassroots football as a cornerstone of Ghana’s footballing future.
“Our youth represent the foundation of Ghanaian football. Through targeted investment and collaborative support, we are ensuring that football thrives in every region and that young talents are given every opportunity to succeed.”
President Simeon-Okraku
Since the launch of this agenda, the GFA has undertaken multiple forward-thinking projects aimed at revitalising and expanding the country’s youth football infrastructure.
Transforming the Grassroots Football Landscape
Backed by the unwavering support of the KGL Group, the GFA has, over the past five years, implemented a series of transformative programmes, including:
Nationwide revival of Colts football; once dormant in several regions, Colts leagues have been reactivated and structured to create competitive opportunities for boys and girls alike.
Implementation of the FIFA Talent Development Scheme (TDS): as part of FIFA’s global talent initiative, the GFA is identifying and tracking high-potential players across the country through systematic scouting and development programmes.
Establishment of Ghana’s first three Elite Football Academies; these academies serve as centres of excellence where promising players benefit from top-tier coaching, education, and holistic development.
Creation of additional age-specific national teams; the introduction of teams like the U-15 and U-16 national squads ensures structured and age-appropriate talent grooming.
Investment in the Catch Them Young Refereeing Policy; this innovative policy identifies and trains young referees, ensuring a pipeline of qualified match officials well-versed in the modern game.
Free coaching education for Colts coaches: over 900 grassroots coaches have received certification and training, enhancing their capacity to mentor young players effectively.
As the 2024/25 Colts season is officially celebrated and closed, the focus now shifts to sustaining momentum and expanding the reach and impact of grassroots programmes.
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