Ghana Football Association launches Kivo U-17 cup for 13 regional teams

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has officially introduced the Kivo U-17 Regional Champions Cup, a new youth competition set to begin on November 8, 2026. The inaugural tournament will take place at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram, serving as a primary platform to discover and develop grassroots football talent from across Ghana. The initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen the youth football ecosystem by providing competitive exposure to emerging players.

Thirteen teams from various regions have been selected to participate in the week-long event, which is structured into two distinct groups. Group A features Raymond FC, Sunyani Great Young Kotoko, Show Show FC, Tarkwa Barcelona FC, Yaasin Colts FC, and elite academies from Achimota School and Prempeh College. Group B consists of Cheetah FC, Desidero Football Academy, Young Lions FC, Sogakope Cule FC, Bolga Soccer Masters, and the elite academy from Bolgatanga Senior High School. The competition will culminate in a grand final scheduled for November 15.

GFA President Kurt Okraku highlighted the importance of this initiative for the future of Ghanaian football, noting that it provides a critical opportunity for young players to showcase their skills to a wider audience. According to Okraku, the tournament is designed not just for competition but to help young athletes take concrete steps toward their professional football dreams. He emphasized that identifying and nurturing talent at this age is essential for the long-term success of the various national teams.

By partnering with Kivo for this regional champions cup, the GFA aims to create a more robust scouting network and bridge the gap between regional youth football and elite academies. The concentration of diverse talent at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence is expected to provide coaches and scouts with a comprehensive view of the country's most promising under-17 players. This inaugural edition sets the stage for a sustainable pipeline of talent that will eventually feed into Ghana's senior football structures.