Ghana to Host 2025 CAF African Schools Football Championship
Ghana has been officially selected by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as the host nation for the 2025 CAF African Schools Football Championship. Scheduled to take place from April 21 to April 26, 2025, the Continental Finals will be held at the Legon Sports Stadium, located at the University of Ghana in Accra. This will be the first time the final stage of the tournament is hosted in West Africa, following previous editions in South Africa (2023) and Tanzania (2024). Launched in 2022 by CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, this youth football initiative has rapidly expanded, engaging over 1.9 million boys and girls from 46 African nations. The championship aims to promote grassroots football while supporting educational development. In collaboration with the Motsepe Foundation, CAF has secured $10 million in funding, which will be used to enhance school infrastructure, upgrade sports facilities, and fund various community-based initiatives. The prize pool for the tournament is structured as follows: $300,000 for the winners, $200,000 for the runners-up, and $150,000 for the third-place team.
For the 2024/25 season, 46 countries registered to participate in the championship, with their national school teams competing in Zonal Qualifiers from October 2024 to January 2025. The top-performing teams from each of CAF’s six regional zones, along with the 2023/24 title holders, will join host nation Ghana in the final round of the competition. CAF’s Director of Member Associations, Sarah Mukuna, expressed enthusiasm about Ghana’s role in hosting the event, emphasizing its significance in nurturing young football talent and improving education across the continent. She highlighted the importance of strong partnerships, such as that with CANAL+, in helping to expand the reach and impact of the tournament. Mukuna described the championship as a groundbreaking initiative that not only showcases young footballers but also equips them with vital life skills, fostering personal and professional development beyond the sport. The event is expected to draw widespread attention, with top youth footballers from various regions competing for glory and the chance to advance their careers.
In addition to the tournament itself, CAF has introduced several capacity-building programs aimed at developing the various aspects of African football. These initiatives include a CAF D License Coaching Course, Safeguarding Workshops, Safety and Security Training, and dedicated programs for young medical officers, referees, and sports journalists. These educational efforts will run concurrently with the championship, ensuring that all participants—whether players, coaches, or officials—benefit from skill development and career-enhancing opportunities. The 10,000-seater Legon Sports Stadium, which was completed for the 2023 African Games, will serve as the primary venue for both matches and training sessions. Ghana’s selection as the host nation for this prestigious event reinforces its reputation as a key player in African football development. With anticipation building ahead of the tournament, young athletes, coaches, and football enthusiasts are eager
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