By Nana Yaw Safo Kantanka, GNA
Accra, Sept. 16, GNA — Former Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan has described colts football as the foundation of the country’s football development, saying the grassroots competition played a crucial role in preparing him and other players for professional football.
Gyan said this during the launch of the 2026/2027 Colts Football Season at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram.
He noted that being appointed as ambassador for Colts football and Ghana’s national teams had given him an opportunity to contribute to the system that shaped his own career.
“When it comes to juvenile football, when it comes to Colts football, that is where I was brought up and that was what made me who I am,” Gyan said.
He said the competitiveness of colts football helped young players build confidence and learn to cope with pressure, criticism and large crowds before progressing to the professional game.
“All thanks to juvenile football. We became very, very confident due to this juvenile football thing,” he said.
Gyan said players at the time were regularly exposed to passionate supporters and criticism from the sidelines, experiences he believes helped prepare them for the pressures of professional football and international competition.
“So, even coming to the professional level, we were ready for all these things,” he said.
The former captain said several Ghanaian players who went on to represent the senior national team had also emerged through the Colts system. He cited former Ghana captains Stephen Appiah and John Mensah, as well as former international defender John Paintsil, among players who benefited from the grassroots structure.
Gyan, who enjoyed a long international career with Ghana, also recalled his own scoring record at Colts level.
“I sometimes boast about my record I set in Colts football. I think I scored 41 goals,” he said.
The former Sunderland and Al Ain striker said he wanted to use his role to help strengthen juvenile football and provide young players with the foundation and confidence needed to progress through the sport.
The 2026/2027 Colts Football Season is expected to give young players across Ghana an opportunity to develop their skills through organised competition as the country seeks to strengthen its football development structure from the grassroots.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade