The Ghana Football Association (GFA), in partnership with KIVO, has officially launched the KIVO U-17 Regional Champions Cup, a new grassroots football initiative aimed at identifying, developing and showcasing some of the country’s most promising young football talents.
The launch took place on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at the GFA Conference Room in Accra, ahead of the maiden edition scheduled for November 8–15 at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram.
The competition, sponsored by KIVO, with JLAB as supporting sponsor, will bring together leading U-17 colts teams from across Ghana’s regional football associations to compete for regional pride and national honours.
Speaking at the launch, GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku described the competition as an exciting initiative that would give regional champions the opportunity to test their abilities against the best young teams from other parts of the country.
He said the initiative forms part of the Association’s broader commitment to strengthening grassroots football, revealing that the GFA had invested approximately US$100,000 in colts football over the past three years.
According to him, the investment has included the distribution of 3,000 footballs, 16,000 football kits and logistical support to colts clubs across the country.
He further announced an annual provision of 10,000 footballs for the colts sector over the next three football seasons, with each club expected to receive 10 footballs annually.
Meanwhile, KIVO Head of Marketing, Evans Kwofie, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to youth development, describing the tournament as an investment in the future of Ghanaian football.
He stressed that talent alone was not enough, emphasising the importance of creating opportunities for young players to develop and showcase their abilities.
“Talent can be found everywhere, but opportunity must be created,” he said.
Kwofie explained that KIVO’s support goes beyond brand visibility, noting that football provides young people with valuable lessons in discipline, teamwork, resilience and hard work.
He also encouraged participating players to remain disciplined, respect their coaches, take their education seriously and continue working towards their ambitions.
“Today, you may be playing for your region. Tomorrow, you could be representing Ghana on the world stage,” he told the young footballers.
Participating Teams
The 13 participating teams have been divided into two groups.
Group A features Raymond FC (Ashanti RFA), Sunyani Great Young Kotoko (Brong Ahafo RFA), Show Show FC (Eastern RFA), Tarkwa Barcelona FC (Western RFA), Yaasin Colts FC (Upper West RFA), Elite Academy – Achimota School (Greater Accra RFA) and Elite Academy – Prempeh College (Ashanti RFA).
Group B comprises Cheetah FC (Central RFA), Desidero Football Academy (Greater Accra RFA), Young Lions FC (Northern RFA), Sogakope Cule FC (Volta RFA), Bolga Soccer Masters (Upper East RFA) and Elite Academy – Bolgatanga Senior High School (Upper East RFA).
With the competition set to bring together some of the country’s emerging football talents, the KIVO U-17 Regional Champions Cup represents another important step towards strengthening grassroots football and creating a pathway for the next generation of Ghanaian stars.
Beyond the pursuit of the trophy, the tournament is expected to provide young players with valuable competitive experience and an opportunity to attract attention as they take their first steps towards bigger opportunities in the game.