License ‘C’ Coaches undergoing training at the Ghanaman Soccer Center of Excellence (GSCE) at Prampram, have become part of a vital mission to protect young footballers from the threat of trafficking and exploitation. Initiated by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), and facilitated by the association, this program introduced participants to the Safeguarding Campaign, a continent-wide initiative that addresses player trafficking.

With the passion of Ghana's young athletes for pursuing football careers, the training emphasised the importance of ethical mentorship and vigilance. Through this education, future coaches are becoming not only tacticians of the game but also guardians of the welfare of vulnerable players.

Throughout the training, coaching candidates were immersed in real-life scenarios that highlighted the various tactics traffickers and fraudulent agents employ to exploit young talents. Coaches learned about the ways in which unregulated agents approach young players with false promises of trials abroad, luring them into foreign environments where they may ultimately face abandonment or exploitation. These predatory schemes often leave young athletes stranded, isolated, and with little or no legal protection.

The GFA and CAF’s campaign took the candidates beyond awareness and provided them with practical tools to recognise and respond to red flags that signal trafficking or exploitation. These might include suspicious recruitment practices, vague or unverified contracts, or promises that seem too good to be true. Trainees were encouraged to foster open communication with their players and establish a mentorship culture where young athletes feel safe discussing their aspirations and concerns.

The Safeguarding Campaign has inspired them to become allies in the fight against exploitation, reinforcing the GFA’s goal of ensuring that every player can pursue their dreams without fear of falling prey to unethical schemes.

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