The Ghana Football Association (GFA) launched the fifth edition of the KGL Foundation Inter-regional U-17 Colts Championship on Tuesday, May 20, at the Conference Room of KGL House in Labone, Accra. The event, attended by key stakeholders, including GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, Executive Council Members, and top officials of the KGL Foundation, marked another milestone in nurturing young football talent in Ghana.
Speaking at the launch, President Okraku praised the KGL Foundation for their unwavering support since the championship’s inception in 2021. “This is a celebration of youthful talent, regional pride, and the enduring power of football to unite and transform,” he said. “This championship embodies the dreams of young boys across the country, giving them a platform to showcase their talent, discipline, and potential.”
Okraku highlighted KGL’s pivotal role, stating, “Five years ago, when nobody in Ghana believed in the vision of the Football Association, KGL came through for us. My sincerest appreciation goes to their leadership for their commitment to reviving Ghanaian football and offering these young boys the opportunity to realize their dreams.”
The championship aims to promote talent discovery, foster regional unity, support youth development, and nurture future stars from district to national levels. This year, KGL will equip each participating team with 60 kits (30 home and 30 away jerseys), along with footballs, bibs, and cones.
Since its debut, the tournament has grown in stature. The first edition, held at McDan La Town Park and Madina Astro Turf, was won by MAL FC. Great Corinthians claimed the title in 2022, followed by the Ashanti Region’s U-17 team in 2023. Last year, the Western Region triumphed over the Eastern Region 2-1 in the final at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram.
The ten Regional Football Associations will select their best U-17 players from colts competitions to represent their regions in this year’s championship, promising another exciting chapter in Ghana’s youth football journey.
Story By Kwame Larweh
