15 September 2026
Coachhene Sports Club has paid a courtesy call on the Honourable Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, at the Ministry as part of the club’s continued efforts to strengthen partnerships and contribute to sports development in Ghana.
The delegation was led by Coachhene Sports Club President and Founder, Mr. Emmanuel Afranie Jnr., and included key partners and members of the club’s leadership team.
Among those who accompanied the President were Mr. Bader Al-Akkad of Phoenix United FC in Dubai; Mr. Marcus McCabe, owner of Radcliffe FC and entrepreneur; Mr. Terry Williams, an ambassador for Radcliffe FC; and Coachhene Sports Club Communications Director and BBC Sports Journalist, George Addo Jnr.
The visit provided an opportunity for Coachhene Sports Club to formally introduce its expanding operations in Ghana and explore areas of collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation.
Mr. Afranie expressed his appreciation to the Minister for receiving the delegation and reiterated Coachhene Sports Club’s commitment to identifying, developing and creating opportunities for young sporting talents.
«“Coachhene Sports Club is committed to developing local talent and contributing to Ghana’s rich sporting heritage.”»
Developing the Next Generation of Talent
Based in Manchester, UK, Coachhene Sports Club has built a growing reputation for grassroots talent development. Established five years ago by Mr. Emmanuel Afranie Jnr., the club has helped place more than 40 young footballers into professional academy environments, including those associated with Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.
The club continues to build on the legacy of E.K. Afranie, whose philosophy centred on identifying and developing young talent without financial barriers.
With its expansion into Ghana, Coachhene Sports Club aims to replicate this approach by providing young athletes with access to development opportunities at no cost.
The club’s plans include youth development programmes, grassroots football tournaments, talent identification initiatives and strategic partnerships designed to support promising young athletes and contribute to the wider development of sports in Ghana.
Minister Welcomes Coachhene Initiative
Hon. Kofi Iddie Adams welcomed the delegation and expressed his appreciation for Coachhene Sports Club’s approach to grassroots sports development.
“You are all at home. I appreciate Coachhene Sports Club’s proactive approach,” the Minister said.
He noted Ghana’s abundance of sporting talent across football, athletics, boxing and other disciplines, while emphasizing the importance of treating sports as an important part of youth development rather than merely an extracurricular activity.
The Minister also reaffirmed the Ministry’s interest in supporting grassroots sports initiatives and exploring opportunities for collaboration with organizations committed to developing young talent.
He highlighted initiatives including the re-establishment of the Winneba Sports College, which is expected to play an important role in strengthening football and coaching education.
Hon. Adams further identified the need for improved data systems and properly trained personnel within key areas of Ghana’s sporting ecosystem.
Building Partnerships for Ghanaian Youth
The meeting forms part of Coachhene Sports Club’s broader vision of building meaningful partnerships between grassroots football, professional clubs, investors, government institutions and other stakeholders.
Through its work in Ghana and the UK, Coachhene Sports Club remains committed to creating pathways for young footballers and athletes to develop their abilities, access opportunities and pursue their sporting ambitions.
The club looks forward to continued engagement with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation and other stakeholders as it expands its grassroots development programmes across Ghana.
