Catch Them Young Referees Selected For Second Division Championship

The Football Association has chosen 20 young match officials for the second edition of the MTN Elite U-19 Championship, offering a vital opportunity for the upcoming generation of referees. The picks consist of 10 referees and 10 assistant referees, all part of the GFA's Catch Them Young Referees initiative. They will officiate matches at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram.

The tournament, featuring 10 U-19 Regional teams, runs from August 24 to September 4, 2026. It provides a rigorous competitive setting for both rising players and match officials. This championship is a significant step in developing young match officials, granting them the chance to officiate high-level youth games in a structured and competitive atmosphere.

The 11-day event will bring together Ghana's emerging football talents, with 10 U-19 Regional teams competing for the prestigious title. Beyond the championship, the tournament serves as a crucial platform for young players to showcase their skills, enhance their technical abilities, and face some of the best emerging talents nationwide. This competition will also offer players a chance to catch the eye of national youth team selectors, potentially paving the way for future involvement with Ghana's youth national teams.

With support from MTN Ghana, the Elite U-19 Championship has become an integral part of the GFA's youth development strategy. As part of the GFA's "Power to the Youth" strategy, the championship represents a substantial investment in Ghanaian football's future, with a strong focus on creating sustainable pathways from grassroots and regional football to the top levels of the sport.