The countdown to the first ever Beach Soccer League in Ghana has begun with the registration of 20 teams from across coastal communities in the country.

There is also growing excitement and anticipation following the presentation of a giant trophy for the competition by a UK based marine Navigator Dr. Joseph Benedict Aubyn. The gold cup was presented on behalf of Dr Aubyn by the paramount Chief of Tema, Nii Adjei Kraku II, at the Accra Sports Stadium last Friday July 29.

In his address, the Tema Chief said that beach soccer could provide answers to many social and economic challenges confronting the youth along the coast of Ghana and appealed to corporate institutions to also come on board.

“This exemplary gesture and show of patriotism by Mr. Joseph Benedict Aubyn is exactly what the doctor ordered. It is our duty to develop beach soccer so that we all enjoy the fruits of our labour tomorrow,” Nii Kraku said.

The UK based Marine Navigator is also the Executive Director of an NGO known as Friends of the Sea Beaches and Inland waters (FRISBIW)which campaigns for marine and environmental cleanliness.

The CEO of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Mr. W.K. Agra welcomed the trophy donation and invited more such commitments adding that sports for all is not only about participation but must start with development and investment.

“I believe this gesture will go a long way in alerting big corporate bodies to quickly join the foundations of beach soccer rather than waiting until all the hard work has been done. I believe now is the time,” Mr. Agrah stated in his closing remarks.

The Ppresident of the Ghana Beach Soccer Association (GBSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah believes that the long wait to kick off the league would soon be over but cautioned that there is still a lot of work to be done to put all necessary structures in place before the opening matches at the end of September 2011.

“I would like to salute Nii Adjei Kraku II as well as Dr. Joseph Benedict Aubyn for their support and genuine commitment to beach soccer and the youth. We are also delighted to have the founder of Liberty Professionals, Alhaji Sly Tetteh who is on the CAF Futsal Soccer Committee as a patron and renowned football consultant Nana Yeboah, the CEO of Pro Prima Consult as a board member,” Mr. Ampofo Ankrah noted.

His vice Edward Kyei Fukou advised the teams to train hard and be prepared for what will be a fiercely competitive maiden beach soccer league. “This is the first time a beach soccer league will be played so there are no favourites except the team that prepares best to win the title,” stated the GBSA Vice President.

Media officers charged with publicising the event were introduced at the trophy presentation including Kennedy Boakye Ansah of GTV, Sammy Heywood Okine of SportsInGhana.com (Deputy General Secretary of SWAG), Dan Kweku Yeboah of Peace FM, Nathaniel Attoh of Multi Media and Happy FM’s Charles Osei Aisbey who will be the spokesperson.

Other key appointments include Francis Oti Akenteng as Beach Soccer Technical Advisor (GFA/CAF), Clubs Representative: McKenzie Golightly, Head of Beach Referees Committee: George Darko, Director of Beach Venues: Mr Fred Afful (Chairman La Pleasure Beach), International Liaison Officer: Ben Nunoo Mensah (Sports Administrator/Consultant) and Beach Soccer Development Officer: Mr Albert Frimpong, founder of Sports for Youth Development (SYDO).

For further enquiries including registration details and the full list of registered beach soccer teams, call: + 233 242104531 / +233 244 109 475 or visit the official website: www.beachsoccergh.com *Credit: **Joyce Owusu (GIJ)