Accra, March 24, GNA - A three day special Under-15 Soccer Tournament was opened on Thursday in Sogakope.

The competition, which is expected to end on Sunday, April 4, is dubbed "The Next Generation Trophy", and is under the auspices of Red Bull Soccer Academy.

In the opening match, Red Bull Soccer Academy spanked the Greater Accra Under-15 side that represented Ghana 5-0. The tournament attracted teams from Togo, Burkina Faso and Cote D'Ivoire as well.

Ms Akua Sena Dansua, Minister of Youth and Sports who opened the competition, commended the organisers of the event for taking steps to provide opportunities for young players.

She said government was grateful to Red Bull Soccer Academy for establishing such a facility, adding that it has been of immense benefit to the youth of the area and young talented Ghanaian footballers. Ms Sena Dansua said football development in Ghana could reach a higher level if more academies are developed in various parts of the country and gave the assurance that government will assist organisations interested in developing soccer academies in the country.

She however appealed to the Red Bull Soccer Academy to consider training young female footballers to "even if it will be on a non-residential basis". Ms Sena Dansua said this will be in fulfilment of part of the Millenium Development Goals Charter, which Ghana government is committed to. The Minister said Ghana abounds in a lot of talents in women football and the credible performance women football has brought to the nation, on both continental and the world stage could be improved through the development of women football in the country. 02 April 10