Safeguarding Measures Strengthened for Young Players in Elite Colts Tournament
As preparations ramp up for the Elite U15 Boys Colts Championship, scheduled for August 25–31, 2025, at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence (GSCE), the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced the introduction of a compulsory safeguarding training session for all tournament participants.
The initiative is designed to ensure that every player, coach, team official, and adult involved in the competition is equipped with the necessary knowledge to uphold a safe and respectful sporting environment throughout the event.
This proactive step forms part of the GFA’s broader commitment to child welfare and protection in football, particularly at the grassroots level. The training session will be led by the GFA’s Safeguarding Officer, Obed Tuffuor, who will guide attendees through key topics including child protection protocols, setting appropriate boundaries, and fostering mutual respect between adults and young athletes.
Participants will also receive guidance on recognising early signs of abuse or misconduct and will be trained on the correct procedures for reporting any concerns. Importantly, the session will introduce young players to trusted reporting channels, empowering them to speak out if they ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
The training aims to instil a culture where the dignity, safety, and emotional well-being of every child is treated as paramount—on and off the field.
“Our goal is to create a space where young footballers can grow with confidence, knowing they are protected and valued,” said Mr. Tuffuor. “Safeguarding is not just about rules—it’s about building a football community that is safe, supportive, and empowering.”
By embedding safeguarding education directly into the tournament’s structure, the GFA is taking concrete steps to ensure that the next generation of footballers develop in an environment that prioritises their rights and well-being.
This initiative reflects growing global standards in youth sports, where player protection is increasingly seen as a fundamental responsibility of governing bodies.
With the championship drawing near, the safeguarding session will serve as both a protective measure and a powerful reminder that football must be a safe space for all—especially the youngest and most vulnerable.
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