The maiden edition of the KIVO U-17 Regional Champions Cup has officially been launched at a colourful ceremony at the headquarters of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) on Thursday, November 5, 2026.
The ceremony brought together high-ranking officials of the Football Association, representatives of tournament partners KIVO and JLAB, and other stakeholders committed to the development of grassroots football in Ghana.
The KIVO U-17 Regional Champions Cup kicks off at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence between November 8-15 November, 2026.
Delivering the keynote address, GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku described the competition as a significant opportunity for young footballers across the country to showcase their talent, represent their communities and take another important step towards achieving their football dreams.
“Today, we are not simply launching another football competition. We are unveiling an opportunity. An opportunity for young footballers across our regions to showcase their talent, compete at a higher level, represent their communities with pride and take another important step towards realising their football dreams,” he said.
The President stressed that grassroots football remains central to the future of the game, noting that it is through the discovery and nurturing of young talent that Ghana can build a strong and sustainable football foundation.
“This is what grassroots football is about. It is about discovering talent, nurturing potential, creating opportunities and building the foundation upon which the future of Ghana football will stand.” he added.
The KIVO U-17 Regional Champions Cup is a new Colts football initiative designed to bring together the best U-17 regional champions from across Ghana to compete for regional supremacy and national honours.
The competition is expected to provide regional champions with a higher level of competition, greater exposure and an opportunity to test their strength against the best teams from other parts of the country.
The President expressed delight at the partnership between the GFA and KIVO, with JLAB serving as supporting sponsor, describing the collaboration as an example of how football and the private sector can work together to create meaningful opportunities for young people.
He thanked the partners for their confidence in Ghana football and their commitment to investing in the development of the next generation of players.
GFA reaffirms commitment to Colts football
The GFA President also used the occasion to highlight the Football Association’s sustained investment in Colts football over the past six years, including financial and logistical support aimed at strengthening the grassroots game.
He reiterated that the GFA has consistently invested US$100,000 annually in the procurement of footballs for grassroots football.
“We understand that talent cannot be developed without opportunity, and opportunity cannot be created without the necessary equipment and support,” he said.
At the launch of the 2026/27 Colts Football Season, the GFA announced the provision of 3,000 footballs, 15,000 football kits and additional logistical support for Colts clubs across the country.
The Football Association will also provide 15,000 pairs of casual shoes to Colts clubs nationwide. In addition, 15,000 jerseys and 10,000 footballs will be distributed to Colts clubs across the country.
According to the President, the interventions are intended to ease the logistical burden on clubs, improve playing conditions for young footballers and strengthen the overall Colts football structure.
A shared responsibility
The President reiterated that the development of football requires the collective commitment of the GFA, clubs, Regional Football Associations, government, corporate Ghana, development partners, the media, parents and coaches.
“The development of football is a shared responsibility. The GFA cannot do it alone. Our clubs cannot do it alone. Our Regional Associations cannot do it alone,” he said.
He described the KIVO U-17 Regional Champions Cup as a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when the football community and the private sector unite around a common purpose.
The President also urged participating players to compete with courage, discipline and respect, while encouraging coaches and administrators to prioritise the welfare, safety and development of the young footballers.
Building a stronger future for Ghana football
The launch of the KIVO U-17 Regional Champions Cup forms part of the GFA’s broader efforts to revive Colts football and strengthen grassroots competitions across the country.
The tournament is expected to promote healthy rivalry among regions, celebrate regional champions and create another pathway for emerging talents to progress in the game.
The competition is proudly sponsored by KIVO, with JLAB as supporting sponsor.
The maiden edition is expected to mark a new chapter in the development of Colts football, bringing together regional champions in pursuit of national honours while reinforcing the foundations of Ghana football.
President Kurt E.S. Okraku was joined at the ceremony by KIVO Marketing Manager Evans Koffie, GFA Vice-President Mark Addo and Executive Council members Nana Sarfo Oduro, Eugene Nobel Noel, Alhaji Abu Hassan and Samuel Aboabire.
Also in attendance were Central Regional Football Association Chairman Robert Otieku Duncan, Ashanti Regional Football Association Chairman Osei Tutu Agyemang and Eastern Regional Football Association Chairman Lindford Asamoah Boadu.
GFA Communications