The Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram is buzzing once again, hosting the 2025 KGL Inter-Regional U-17 Colts Championship, a tournament that has fast become one of Ghana’s most important nurseries for football talent.
Since its launch in 2021, the competition has steadily risen in prominence, serving as a vital stage for scouting raw talent while also strengthening bonds between regions. Already, several players from past editions have made the leap into Ghana’s top-flight football.
This year, all ten football regions are represented, with teams qualifying through their respective local colts leagues. The Ashanti Region etched its name in history as the first champions, while the Western Region returns as defending titleholders, having beaten the Eastern Region 2-1 in last year’s final at the same venue.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Julius Ben Emmunah, Head of Competition at the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and project lead for the Championship, underscored its developmental purpose.
“We review the competition year after year to ensure that the main objective, talent development is achieved. For the national teams to excel, there must be a strong hub, and this competition is designed to be that hub. Every player should get at least 40 minutes on the pitch to be assessed by scouts,” he said.
He added that the 2025 edition has broadened its scope to include academy teams, giving scouts an even wider pool of players to evaluate.
The energy in Prampram is electric, with fans, coaches, and scouts filling the stands, eager to witness the next big stars. For many youngsters, this tournament represents far more than another set of fixtures it’s a gateway to professional football.
Joe Salam Abubakar, Vice Chairman of the Championship, also stressed its importance to the country’s football future.
“The passion is high, and any player here can easily feature in the Premier League. Already, several players from past editions have joined Premier League clubs. If this momentum continues, Ghana football will reap the benefits,” he explained.
Now firmly established as a proving ground for teenage prospects, the KGL Inter-Regional U-17 Colts Championship continues to shape the next generation of footballers while igniting regional pride. As the 2025 edition nears its climax, all eyes remain on Prampram, where tomorrow’s stars are making their mark today.
