Power to the Youth: GFA entrusts National Juvenile Committee with player screening across all youth tournaments

The  Football Association has entrusted its National Juvenile Committee (NJC) with the responsibility of screening all players participating in national youth tournaments, a key initiative under the FA's Power to the Youth strategy aimed at strengthening grassroots football and nurturing young talent.

The decision was formalized during the Executive Council meeting held in January 2026, which brought together all ten Regional Football Association chairmen. The mandate empowers the NJC to ensure that all participants meet eligibility criteria, maintain proper documentation and adhere to standardised registration procedures across age-grade competitions nationwide.

Under the leadership of Chairman JoeSalam Abubakar, the NJC will implement rigorous screening processes designed to enhance fairness, transparency and accountability in youth competitions. This oversight will help identify promising talents while ensuring that tournaments operate in compliance with the GFA’s regulations and development policies.

The initiative is part of a broader strategy to professionalise youth football in Ghana, providing a structured pathway for young players to progress from regional competitions to national programs and ultimately the country’s elite academies.

The Football Association is commitment to empowering youth football, promoting talent identification and reinforcing a strong foundation for the next generation of Ghanaian footballers.