President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku has reaffirmed the Football Association’s commitment to its flagship “Power to the Youth” policy, describing deliberate investment in young footballers as the foundation for securing the long-term future of Ghana football.
Speaking at the 32nd Ordinary Session Congress on Thursday, the President outlined a comprehensive youth development framework designed to create clearer pathways for talented young players from grassroots football to the professional game.
“The future of Ghana football will not be secured by chance — it will be built through deliberate investment, sound policy and unwavering commitment,” he said.
“That is why today, I am proud to reaffirm our flagship national youth development policy, "POWER TO THE YOUTH.”
President Simeon-Okraku said the Colts System is the foundation of the GFA's youth development strategy, stressing its historic importance in producing generations of Ghanaian football talent.
“At the heart of the Power to the Youth policy is the Colts System — the foundation upon which Ghana football has always thrived,” he said.
Under the renewed framework, player development will follow a structured pathway spanning Under-13, Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19, creating a more seamless progression for talented youngsters as they advance through the different stages of their football education.
The approach is aimed at ensuring that promising players are identified early, developed systematically and given the competitive opportunities required to reach their full potential.
UMB U-19 League to bridge youth and senior football
A major component of the strategy will be the introduction of the UMB Under-19 League, which the GFA plans to pilot with affiliated professional clubs and accredited academies.
The competition is intended to address the often difficult transition between youth and senior football by providing young players with regular, high-level competition within a player-centred development environment.
President Simeon-Okraku said the model would go beyond footballing ability, incorporating education, discipline and personal growth as essential elements of youth development.
The GFA will also continue enforcing its mandatory Youth Integration policy across the Ghana Premier League, Women's Premier League, Division One and Division Two Leagues.
The policy is designed to ensure that young Ghanaian players are not simply developed in youth competitions but are given meaningful opportunities to compete alongside and against more experienced players at senior level.
President Simeon-Okraku also acknowledged the growing support of development partners in advancing the GFA's youth agenda.
He highlighted the contributions of KGL, KIVO, MTN, UMB and FIFA, alongside resources provided through the FIFA Forward Programme, saying the partnerships were helping to strengthen the various pillars of youth development.
The combined support is expected to enhance competitions, logistics, infrastructure and player development opportunities across the football pyramid.
GFA Communications