GFA plans expansion of UK scouting project after successful debut exercise
Ghana Football Association is preparing to widen its UK Talent Identification Programme after officials hailed the success of the initiative’s first scouting exercise held in Bromley.
The programme assembled 40 young footballers of Ghanaian heritage from some of England’s top academies, including players connected to Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City and Everton.
Following encouraging assessments from coaches and organisers, the Football Association is now considering extending the project to include players from Category Two and Category Three academies as well as grassroots football setups across the United Kingdom.
Joseph Kwame Mintah, the GFA’s Technical Director, expressed satisfaction with the quality displayed during the exercise and believes the initiative could become an important pillar in Ghana’s long-term player development strategy.
“The level of talent and professionalism we witnessed here was very encouraging,” Prof. Mintah said.
“These young players are developing in some of the best academies in the world, and initiatives like this allow us to engage them early and monitor their progress closely.”
The scouting programme also received support from FIFA Talent Coach Stuart McLaren alongside technical staff from Coach Hene Sporting Club, who participated in player assessments throughout the exercise.
Founder of Coach Hene Sporting Club, Emmanuel Afranie, described the programme as an important link between Ghana and talented young footballers growing up abroad.
“There is so much Ghanaian talent across the UK, and this initiative gives these young players the opportunity to connect with their roots while showcasing their abilities to the Ghana Football Association,” Afranie stated.
The GFA is also exploring the possibility of introducing similar scouting programmes in other countries with large Ghanaian communities as part of a broader international talent identification strategy.
With increasing numbers of players of Ghanaian descent emerging through European academies, football authorities see overseas scouting as a key part of strengthening the country’s future national teams.
