By Tilda Acorlor
The 21st Annual Basic Schools Inter-District Milo Under-13 Soccer Boys Championship is underway in Dabala, in the South Tongu District of the Volta Region.
The event, themed “Identifying Talents and Shaping Champions for Tomorrow,” brought together young football talents from across the eighteen (18) districts of the Volta Region, showing their skills and sportsmanship.
In attendance were teachers and physical education tutors, football enthusiasts, and dignitaries.
Regional Director of Education, Mr. Francis Yaw Agbemadi, in a speech read on his behalf by the Deputy, Director of Education, Mrs. Marian Adzroe officially opened the championship, emphasizing the importance of sports in nurturing young talent and promoting values such as discipline, respect, and teamwork.
“Sports gives us a perfect opportunuty to identify talents and shape them in our schools.
Sports is not just about winning medals or trophies but it teaches us important values like discipline, respect, cooperation, and perseverance, he said.
The South Tongu District Director of Education, Celestine S. A. Korsi-Agordo, welcomed participants, urging them to give their best and enjoy the games, as it would shape thier confidence.
“Whether you are sprinting across the field, cheering a friend or simply enjoying the games, remember that every moment here is helping to shape you into confidence and to make you strong individuals,” she said.
This year’s championship features 17 districts except for Anloga District, which couldn’t make it.
Participants would compete in a round-robin format, with the top teams advancing to the knockout stages.
The event is expected to run until Thursday, March 5, 2026.
The participating districts were colourfully represented as they paraded singing and cheering, in high morale, to compete for bragging rights.
The well-coordinated event featured a flag hoisting, and a ceremonial kickoff by Madam Yvonne, Ame-Bruce, the Chairperson for the games.
She was accompanied by her vice, Mr. Victor Kovey, and Mrs. Celestine Korsi-Agordor together with the Volta Football Association Chairman, Daniel Agbogah, and Secretary, Promise Ahiagba.
The host district, South Tongu, started strong, beating Ho West 2-1 in the opening game.
The annual Basic Schools Inter-District Milo Under-13 Soccer Boys Championship is a platform for young footballers from schools in the districts to compete for honours while showing their football skills, it is also a qualification series to represent the Volta Region at the national Milo Games.
