In a landmark directive aimed at promoting youth development in Ghanaian football, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has mandated the inclusion of U19 players in match day squads across all divisions.
This directive, announced by President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku during the 30th Ordinary Congress held at the Ghanaman Soccer Center of Excellence, is set to take effect from the upcoming season.
Under the new rules, Premier League clubs will be required to include a minimum of four U19 players in their match day squads, with at least two of them starting the game. This policy underscores the GFA’s commitment to nurturing young talent and providing them with the necessary exposure to top-level football.
Division One League clubs will also see a significant change, as they will be required to include six U19 players in their match day squads, with three of these young players starting each game. This is aimed at ensuring that a larger pool of young players gets the opportunity to develop their skills in competitive matches.
For Division Two clubs, the mandate is even more extensive. These clubs must include eight U19 players in their match day squads, with four of them starting the game. This measure is designed to accelerate the development of young players at the grassroots level, ensuring that they are ready for the demands of higher-level football as they progress in their careers.
President Simeon-Okraku emphasized that this directive is part of a broader strategy to enhance the overall quality of football in Ghana by focusing on youth development.
“The future of Ghanaian football lies in our ability to develop and nurture young talent. By giving these young players the platform to showcase their abilities at a competitive level, we are not only building stronger teams but also securing the future of our national teams,” he stated.
This directive is expected to have a profound impact on the structure of match day squads across the country, with clubs needing to adjust their strategies to comply with the new rules.
The announcement has been met with optimism by stakeholders, who see it as a positive step towards revitalizing Ghanaian football. Clubs are now expected to invest more in their youth development programs, knowing that these young players will play a crucial role in their match day plans.
The GFA will monitor the implementation of this directive closely to ensure compliance and to assess its impact on the development of young players in the country. This initiative is part of a series of reforms aimed at strengthening the foundation of Ghanaian football and ensuring sustained success at both club and national levels.