KGL U-17 Colts 2025: Catch Them Young Referees impress at prestigious Championship

The 2025 KGL U-17 Inter-Regional Championship not only highlighted Ghana’s brightest youth footballers but also showcased a new generation of referees who impressed with their professionalism and poise.

Twenty promising officials from the GFA’s flagship Catch Them Young Refereeing Policy took charge of matches during the tournament, earning widespread praise for their high standards of officiating at both the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram and the McDan Teshie Sports Complex.

Their assured performances drew positive reviews from coaches, scouts and spectators alike, underscoring the strength of Ghana’s referee development pathway.

The cohort, comprising both centre and assistant referees, gained valuable experience and exposure as they oversaw fiercely contested fixtures featuring U-17 teams from all ten Regional Football Associations alongside two GFA Elite Academies. Their success reaffirms the Football Association’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of match officials, ensuring the future of refereeing in the country remains on a strong trajectory.

The KGL Foundation Inter-Regional U-17 Colts Tournament continues to serve as a premier platform for discovering and developing young football talent. The competition offers a vital stage for identifying future stars, both on the pitch and with the whistle.

By excelling under pressure and demonstrating exceptional officiating standards, the Catch Them Young referees have proven that the future of Ghanaian refereeing is bright, complementing the tournament’s reputation as a cradle for the nation’s next football icons.

The GFA will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the referees' performances following the conclusion of the championship on September 27, 2025.

GFA Communications