Kurt Okraku places youth football at forefront of GFA developmental agenda

Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, has placed youth football as the topmost priority of the association's developmental agenda, underscoring its importance for the future of Ghanaian football. Speaking at the 2024 Congress held at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence on Tuesday, August 27, Okraku emphasized the need for increased investment in youth talent. "It is critical for all of us who invest in Ghana Football to understand the need to invest more in our youth," Okraku told delegates, highlighting the role of youth development in making the country's football leagues more competitive and attractive. The GFA has already unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at rejuvenating grassroots football. Among these are the training of 1,600 young referees under the "Catch Them Young" Refereeing policy and the introduction of the Elite National Girls U15 Challenge Cup, which aligns with FIFA's Talent Development Scheme. Additionally, the GFA plans to collaborate with Regi onal Football Associations to introduce Inter-District U-15 and U-17 festivals for boys and girls, furthering its commitment to nurturing young talent. These moves represent a significant shift in the GFA's strategy, focusing on building a strong foundation for future success in Ghanaian football. Source: Ghana Web