Former Ghana Black Stars captain, Asamoah Gyan has joined the Milo Under-13 Champions League initiative as preparations begin for the 2026 edition of the grassroots football tournament.
The competition is scheduled to take place from April 21 to April 25, 2026, at the Essipong Sports Stadium in Western region and would feature 16 basic school teams drawn from all 16 regions of the country.
Among the schools set to participate are Kintampo Presby from Bono East, Methodist Experimental from the Northern Region, Wenchi Methodist from Bono, Suame Methodist from the Ashanti Region and St Kizito from the Savannah Region.
Speaking at the launch, Salomé Azevedo, Nestlé Ghana Managing Director, said the tournament was designed to help young players discover their potential while promoting values beyond the pitch.
“At Nestlé Ghana, we believe sports can be a powerful force for good in the lives of children, and this is why we continue to invest in platforms that develop talent and character,” Ms Azevedo said.
She indicated that the company was honoured to once again sponsor the Milo Champions League, which she described as an annual grassroots football competition that identifies talent from basic schools while promoting teamwork, discipline and healthy living.
Azevedo urged participating teams to balance football with education. “As you enjoy the games, please take note that education comes first. Let football support your learning but not replace it. Train hard, listen to your coaches and teachers, and show respect on and off the field,” she said.
Asamoah Gyan, Ghana’s all-time leading goal scorer, praised Milo for its sustained support for grassroots football, which he described as the foundation of any successful football nation.
“When I received the call to join Milo on this journey, I was very excited. I am happy to come on board to support grassroots football. We are looking to spot the next future stars for Ghana,” Gyan said.
The launch of the 2026 edition also saw former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah honoured for his role as a pioneer icon of the Milo U-13 Champions League and his longstanding impact on grassroots football development in Ghana.
The Milo Under-13 Champions League has served as a talent pipeline for young players, with players like Fatawu Issahaku and Kelvin Nkrumah having featured in the tournament.
GNA
