Goldstar boss (2nd L) and some of his staff, officials and some students of the Academy
CHAIRMAN OF the GFA Beach Soccer Committee has paid glowing tribute to indigenous financial institution CalBank as the reason why the sport has developed over the past decade of its challenging growth.
Yaw Ampofo-Ankrah made the remarks when he addressed chiefs, elders, tourism agencies and a number of corporate sponsors at the serene Emancipation Beach Resort in Keta, Volta Region.
He was quick to call out his media colleagues that he was surprised they were not giving more time and space to the CalBank story on their various platforms.
“For me, our adoption by the Ghana Football Association is the best thing for the game and its future. However, it’s important that we also remember our humble beginnings and give credit where its due,” said Ampofo-Ankrah.
He added “Honestly, we all know that without CalBank, Ghana Beach Soccer would have been dead and buried years ago as if the sport never even existed. CalBank initiated the evolution from Frank Adu Jnr to the current MD Phillip Owiredu with branding, marketing, corporate ethics and the beach soccer sanitation project.
“They made sure Beach Soccer became aligned with high professional standards. It was not easy because we were not at that level at all. Yet, the strong belief in the vision is a collective power that has sustained and fed our faith especially in the toughest seasons, thanks to CalBank. We believe that history is on our side and there will be a revival with the GFA’s support but we must be patient.”
Recently, in their first official engagement with FIFA via the GFA since normalisation period, the world football governing body commended the founders of Beach Soccer in Ghana for their perseverance and drive even in the midst of daunting challenges before the Ghana FA partnership.
Ampofo-Ankrah also acknowledged the support of local leaders and elders of Keta led by the Chief Togbi James Ocloo IV as well as Togbi Gatsiko, Chief of Abutiakope and the regional Football Association Chairman Daniel Agbogah.
The Union Cup, which was won by Mighty Warriors Club, is a new tournament that will be played on regional basis among all registered beach soccer clubs in Ghana.
Ampofo -Ankrah stated that the final frontier is now television and along with partners iMax Media, they are seriously working on.
From The Sports Desk