Ghana: FIFA-Backed U-15 Girls' Tourney Kicks Off

26 January 2026

The first FIFA-backed U-15 Girls Regional Colts League was officially launched on Friday by the Ghana Football Association (GFA), with the opening matches taking place in the Greater Accra Region.

Under the FIFA League Development Programme, the Regional Colts Leagues will be staged across all 10 football regions in the country and are expected to provide a nationally coordinated and accessible pathway for girls under the age of 15 to progress into elite football structures.

Speaking at the launch, GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku said the league was expected to strengthen women's football development in Ghana by enhancing early talent identification, promoting grassroots participation and ensuring a smooth transition from youth football to elite and national team levels.

Beyond the technical benefits, Mr Simeon-Okraku noted that the league also serves as a platform for character development and empowerment for young girls.

Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines

He cautioned that sustained success at the top level must be built on strong foundations, describing the U-15 Girls Regional Colts Leagues as critical to the future of Ghana's women's national teams.

The GFA President reaffirmed the association's commitment to women's grassroots football and assured young players and stakeholders of continued support.

On her part, FIFA Technical Expert, Thuba Bridgette Sibandda, said that by targeting this specific age group, FIFA was being deliberate in strengthening the development pathway and solidifying the foundation for the future of the game.

She congratulated the GFA for strictly adhering to FIFA's laid-down procedures, which she said had contributed to the recent successes of football development in the country.

Madam Sibandda performed the ceremonial kick-off at the McDan La Town Astro Turf last Saturday alongside officials from the League Board and the GFA, officially ushering in the start of the competition nationwide.

In the opening fixtures, Ridge City Women defeated Ideal Ladies 2-1, Epiphany New Gen beat Accra Ladyz 2-0, Dangme South played out a goalless draw with Rock Ladies, while Cabfix Ladies thrashed Ga West Ladies 9-0.

BY RAYMOND ACKUMEY

Follow Ghanaian Times WhatsApp Channel today. https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAjG7g3gvWajUAEX12Q

Trusted News. Real Stories. Anytime, Anywhere.

Join our WhatsApp Channel now! https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAjG7g3gvWajUAEX12Q

AllAfrica publishes around 400 reports a day from more than 80 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.