Samba Stars Academy brings Ghanaian players to England for football trials

The Samba Stars Academy, supported by former West Ham and Nottingham Forest striker Michail Antonio, has completed a two-and-a-half-month tour of England to secure professional contracts for young Ghanaian players. Based in Kumasi, the academy took the unconventional approach of traveling to the English Midlands to place players directly in front of professional club scouts.

During the tour, players trained in Leicestershire and competed against various English youth sides. The initiative has already yielded results, with several English clubs including Manchester City, Everton, Bournemouth, Charlton, Preston, Barnsley, and Peterborough conducting trials for the academy's players.

Head coach Freddie Okyere noted the players' hunger to succeed, while Antonio stated the academy's mission is to provide elite coaching and create real avenues into professional football to showcase Ghanaian talent. The academy is currently constructing a permanent facility in Bompata, Ghana.