Tamale (Northern Region) 26 April ?99

Tamale Real Republicans on Saturday won an innovative 12-club under-17 gala soccer competition to lift the challenge cup donated by the National Youth Council .

They beat local Goldfields 5-4 on penalties after a goalless score at regulation time.

The competition dubbed "the challenge cup project" organised by the NYC and sponsored by the John Hopkins University was designed to use soccer to propagate the fight against AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases among the youth.

It was also aimed at addressing the other health and population issues using soccer as a channel.

At the closing ceremony, the Northern Regional Minister, Mr Joshua Alabi said young footballers are vulnerable to sexual abuse and advised them to stick to one partner and practice safe sex.