GFA Engages Elite Clubs On Their Youth Teams
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has intensified efforts to strengthen youth development after holding engagements with clubs across the Ghana Premier League (GPL), Division One League (DOL), and Women’s Premier League (WPL) on the integration and registration of youth players within senior clubs.
The meeting was led by General Secretary Prosper Harrison Addo, alongside IT Director Francis Adu Essah and Acting Director of Competitions Maxwell Caesar Kemeh.
The engagement forms part of the GFA’s long-term strategy to create a clearer pathway for young players to progress from youth football into the senior game, while ensuring clubs can effectively develop and retain homegrown talent.
A key outcome of the discussions was further clarification of the player registration framework, which allows eligible youth players to be registered with their parent senior clubs while remaining eligible to represent their youth teams in their respective competitions.
The system, introduced several seasons ago, enables registered youth players to feature for both their junior and senior teams during the same season, subject to the regulations governing each competition.
According to the GFA, the initiative is designed to provide talented young footballers with increased competitive opportunities while helping clubs build sustainable player development structures and strengthen the link between youth football and the country’s top domestic leagues.
Several clubs have already implemented the framework, including WAFA SC, Asante Kotoko SC, Basake Holy Stars FC, FC Samartex 1996, Ridge City Ladies FC and Epiphany Warriors FC.
During the engagement, FC Samartex 1996 outlined the success of its player development model through Samartex B, which competes in the Western Regional League. The club said the reserve side has created an effective pathway for young players to gain regular competitive experience before transitioning into senior football.
Club representatives welcomed the initiative, describing it as a practical and progressive approach to youth development that also safeguards the integrity of domestic competitions.
The GFA says it remains committed to introducing policies that enhance youth development, improve the standard of domestic football, and build a sustainable future for the game in Ghana.
