By: Kwame Bediako
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is set to revolutionize the grassroots of women’s football by introducing U15 Girls Colts Leagues in each of the country’s ten football regions.
This bold initiative aligns with the GFA’s Women Football Strategy and FIFA’s global Women’s Development programmes, aiming to nurture young talent and strengthen the foundations of the women’s game in Ghana.
Supported by FIFA Women’s Football Development, the GFA’s Technical Directorate, led by Prof. Joseph Kwame Mintah, submitted a successful application to establish structured and competitive regional leagues for girls under the age of 15.
The new leagues will engage around 80 U15 girls’ teams, involving over 3,300 young female footballers across Ghana. This initiative also incorporates the “Catch Them Young” referees programme, giving budding female referees their first official platform in the sport.
The U15 Girls Regional Colts Leagues are designed to provide a crucial pathway for young players, helping them transition from grassroots football to higher competitive levels, including the national women’s teams.
Beyond playing opportunities, the programme seeks to educate coaches, referees and other stakeholders to enhance player development and retention, fostering a comprehensive ecosystem for women’s football.
FIFA’s Chief Women’s Football Officer, Dame Sarai Bareman, expressed strong support for the initiative, stating, “We hope that our collaboration will help to achieve your strategic goals in developing women’s football in Ghana and allow more girls and women to access the game.”
The GFA also plans for Regional Football Associations (RFAs) to spearhead the implementation at the local level, aiming to close the disparity gap between boys’ and girls’ football opportunities.
This initiative is a core part of the GFA Women’s Football Development Strategy, championed by Jennifer Amankwaa Sarpong, GFA Women’s Football Development Manager. By providing a structured competitive platform and fostering education for players and official.
More Stories Here
