In a strategic move aimed at enhancing player development and nurturing young talents, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced the formation of new developmental national teams.
This decision, made in consultation with the Technical Directorate, aligns with the National Football Philosophy and underscores the commitment to implementing a comprehensive football strategy.
The Executive Council has approved the establishment of four new developmental national teams for boys and five for girls. The boys' teams will include U-16, U-18, U-19, and U-21 categories, while the girls' teams will encompass U-16, U-18, U-19, U-21, and U-23 categories.
Currently, the GFA oversees various national teams, including U17 and U20 for girls, and U17, U20, and U23 for boys, participating in competitive competitions organized by CAF and FIFA. Additionally, there are U15 teams for both genders, serving as feeder teams for the U17 squads and focusing on developmental purposes.
The introduction of the new age-group teams aims to facilitate smooth player transitions from one level to the next, ensuring a seamless progression of talent within the national setup. Moreover, it will provide ample opportunities for trained coaches to apply their expertise at the elite level, in line with the football DNA framework.
Players across all age groups will undergo comprehensive training programs and participate in both local and international matches to foster their development. This structured approach not only nurtures talent but also safeguards against the loss of promising players on the national stage.
The establishment of these developmental national teams underscores the GFA's commitment to fostering a robust football ecosystem and nurturing the next generation of Ghanaian football stars.