The schools system is set to become the platform for the selection of players into the junior national teams, says the President of the Ghana Football Association.
Kwesi Nyantakyi explains that education is one sure way of preparing young footballers for the future either in the game or in other fields.
"Education must be encouraged in the sport at all levels. Back in the days, majority of footballers dropped out of school sometimes through no fault of theirs. But we cant afford to let that trend continue," he told young footballers who made it to a Football Camp in South Africa after gaining selection from the Airtel Rising Football competition.
"It is not easy combining both[education and football]. But players need to need manage schooling and playing. Parents need to encourage them whiles they play and do same with their education. I think many players would have become much better than we rate them now if they had been well educated."
According to the GFA President, through education, the mentality of a player is enhanced and it gives them an edge in their thought processing and decision making during the course of a game.
"Our players are are very talented but need to be tactically disciplined. The game has moved on from just possessing talent. The dynamics of the game has seen the introduction of science and technology and more emphasis on tactics. The balls used in the 60s are not the same now, it's lighter and moves very fast.
"Players apply a greater sense of technique and deliver consistently. They time their runs, passes and know the angles to aim for a shot or lay on a pass. Education can enhance a player's understanding of the tactical side of the game," he said.
"We want to make our players complete and be able to compete at the highest level. We need to embrace the changes in the game and move at par with the demands."
In a country where majority of footballers drop out of school at a very young age, Kwesi Nyantakyi says the GFA after trying seeing the success of selecting young players from the schools would implement it in the men's division.
"Football is not for school drop outs. Education makes one a better player," Nyantakyi said as he explained the success of the education system.
"No one can take advantage or exploit your lack of or limited education."
"The present Black Princesses team are all from the schools. They are very young with enough potential to win the African championship. They all came through the schools and are still schooling.
"Having a system that produces the right players of certain ages from the schools is very encouraging and we are going to introduce same for the men. Male footballers would be picked from the schools."
"We want to encourage players to take their academics seriously and make the best out of it while they also play. The lifespan of a footballer can never be predicted. Some get injuries and end their budding careers prematurely. Retirement doesn't mean a footballer's life is over but one can take to another field and do very well," he added.