The initiative, spearheaded by the Miracle Africa International Foundation (MAIF) in collaboration with the Diaspora African Forum (DAF) and Bechem United Football Club, aims to promote youth development through sport while offering pathways to education and international exposure.

Speaking at a press conference on June 18, the Founder and Head of Mission at the Diaspora African Forum, Ambassador Dr Erieka Bennett, revealed that the tournament is already opening doors for talented players.

“We have been able to send some of the boys to the US and other European countries,” she said. “Our embassy has relationships with others, so we get visas for these boys to play for various clubs abroad.”

Dr Bennett, who has lived and worked across Africa for more than four decades, also announced the expansion of the programme to include women and other sporting disciplines.

“We also have plans to extend to female sports and give women the opportunity to exhibit their talent,” she stated. “We have plans to extend it to athletics and other sports to educate people.”

Currently, the programme provides scholarships to selected players from Bechem United, but organisers say more club players will benefit as the initiative grows.

“We are also giving scholarships to players in the Bechem United team for now, and as time goes on, it will expand to other club players as well,” Dr Bennett noted.

The Education Through Sports tournament is part of a larger vision by MAIF, a Geneva-based non-profit organisation, to uplift African communities through strategic investments in arts, culture, music, and sport. The foundation’s projects are designed to foster peace, development, and intercultural understanding through community engagement.

Miracle Africa International Foundation’s activities align with broader sustainable development goals and are known for using tailor-made events to promote social stability and global awareness.

With hundreds of young talents expected to participate over the two-day event in Accra, the tournament promises to be a key platform for unearthing and nurturing the next generation of football stars while reinforcing the connection between sports and education.