By Samuel Spio-Gabrah
Tema, Aug. 07, GNA – Organisers of the annual Plan B FM football tournament have called on the government to increase investment in grassroots football, saying sustained support for youth talent development is essential to securing Ghana’s future in the sport.
The appeal was made at the launch of the rebranded fifth edition of the annual football tournament, which will feature 32 teams and commence on August 22 in Tema.
Mrs. Comfort Aniagyei, the Chief Executive Officer of Plan B FM, said countries with successful football systems had achieved their status through deliberate investment in youth development and grassroots sports programmes.
She urged the government to recognise grassroots football as an important platform for identifying and nurturing young talent while promoting discipline, character development and social inclusion among the youth.
She announced that the organisers had entered into a partnership with Kick Nation Sports Agency to scout outstanding players during the competition and expose them to career development opportunities.
Mrs. Aniagyei said the tournament would offer a total prize package of GH¢12,000 for the winners, GH¢6,000 for the runners-up and GH¢4,000 for the third-placed team, in addition to trophies, medals and individual awards.
Mr. Martin Asare-Aniagyei, Chairman of Plan B FM, said the tournament had been rebranded to reflect a renewed commitment to grassroots sports development and youth empowerment.
He explained that the fifth edition sought to provide a stronger platform for talented young footballers to showcase their abilities while promoting teamwork, discipline and sportsmanship.
Mr. Asare-Aniagyei assured participating teams that the competition would be conducted fairly to provide equal opportunities for players to attract the attention of scouts and football stakeholders.
He expressed appreciation to the tournament’s sponsors for their continued support, which had contributed to the growth of the annual competition.
The launch attracted representatives of participating clubs, sports enthusiasts, members of the media and other stakeholders in football development.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: Samuel Spio-Gabrah, GNA