Paga (U/E), May 11, GNA – Kacstone Records, a music and cultural development company, has pledged to sponsor the Kassena-Nankana West District Division Three League next season with GH¢17,000.00 to support grassroots football development.
The sponsorship package is expected to cover officiating fees and ease the financial burden on participating clubs in the district league.
Mr Wenawome Duriyem Aborah, the Managing Director of Kacstone Records, announced this during a coronation match between Paga Japan Sporting Club and Nyangania Alpha FC at Paga.
At the end of the match Paga Japan Sporting Club was crowned champions for the 2025/2026 season with 21 points.
Speaking at the event, Mr Aborah said the company decided to support the league after observing the lack of financial support for talented footballers in rural communities.
He said many young players lost interest in football because of inadequate support systems.
“There are a lot of talents in the rural areas, but lack of support makes many talents go to waste. If we all come together to support these teams, we will have more quality players coming from the villages,” he said.
Mr Aborah noted that football could create opportunities for young people beyond sports, including employment avenues such as recruitment into the security services.
He appealed to corporate bodies, individuals and stakeholders to support grassroots football development to help nurture talent and create opportunities for the youth.
“Support is not only monetary. Emotional and social support are also important to encourage the youth to stay focused and develop their talents,” he added.
Mr Jamil Atipaga, the Chairman of the Kassena-Nankana West District Football Association, described the sponsorship as a major relief to clubs struggling to complete the league season due to financial constraints.
He said some teams often withdrew from the competition because they were unable to pay officiating fees and other logistical costs.
“This is the first time in the Upper East Region that a company has come out to support the district football association in sponsoring the Division Three League. We are very happy about what Kacstone Records has done for us,” he said.
According to him, clubs in the district paid about GH¢300 as officiating fees per match, which posed a serious challenge to many teams.
He appealed for more support from individuals and organisations to help develop football in the district.
Mr Yizura Donald, the Coach of Mirigu FC, said financial difficulties remained the biggest challenge confronting local football clubs.
He explained that many club owners relied on personal income and support from friends to manage their teams and the support by Kacstone Records was a major relief.
“The most important challenge is money, how to finance the clubs, buy boots and accommodate players during the season,” he said.
He noted that officiating costs alone placed heavy pressure on clubs, especially those travelling long distances for away matches.
Mr Abubakar Adama Zongo, Assistant Coach of Paga Japan Sporting Club, thanked the organization for its generosity towards sporting activities in the district.
He noted that despite the challenges, football continued to play an important role in keeping young people engaged and away from social vices and called for support from more organizations.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/Benjamin Mensah
Reporter; Gilbert Azeeem Tiroog