Twenty emerging Ghanaian match officials will take charge of the second edition of the MTN Elite U-19 Championship after arriving at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram.
The group has been selected under the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) Catch Them Young Referees policy and will officiate throughout the 11-day tournament. It consists of 10 referees and 10 assistant referees, giving the officials an opportunity to gain experience in a competitive and structured football environment.
The MTN Elite U-19 Championship is scheduled to take place from 24 August to 4 September 2026. Ten U-19 Regional teams will compete for the title, bringing together a selection of the country’s most promising young footballers.
While the players compete for success on the pitch, the young referees will be responsible for ensuring that the matches are managed fairly and professionally. Their decisions will be expected to reflect the Laws of the Game throughout the championship.
The tournament represents an important stage in the development of the officials involved. Under the Catch Them Young Referees policy, the GFA is providing them with the chance to work in a formal competition involving Regional teams and young players from across the country.
Each of the 10 referees and 10 assistant referees will be part of the officiating team during the championship. Their involvement will allow them to operate in match conditions over the course of the 11-day event, while also supporting the smooth running of the competition.
The presence of the officials is central to the organisation of the tournament. Alongside the participating teams, they will be part of a championship designed to provide a high-intensity setting for youth football in Ghana.
The second edition of the MTN Elite U-19 Championship will therefore serve two development purposes: offering the country’s emerging players a platform to compete and giving the next generation of Ghanaian referees valuable match experience.
The 10 Regional teams will begin their pursuit of the MTN Elite U-19 Championship title on 24 August, with the competition concluding on 4 September at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram. The young officials are now in place to play their part in the tournament and continue their progress under the GFA’s Catch Them Young Referees policy.
GFA Communications
