The Volta Region second division football tournament entered its second day on Friday at Akatsi with a call on sports enthusiasts in the region to help halt the decade-old decline in sports development in the region.

Mr Nicholas Negble, Akatsi District Chief Executive (DCE), making the call in a speech read on his behalf at the official opening of the four-day tournament, said sport has now become a lucrative profession for the country's youth.

He said in view of this the government has committed itself to promoting the sector and urged the youth in the region to take advantage of the new sporting climate to attain high laurels through self-discipline.

Mr Francis Dogbatse, Chairman of the Regional Football Association (RFA) said clubs, individuals and the state should pool resources to develop sports in the region.

He cautioned referees from the Region to uphold high professional standards so as to win the accolade as efficient referees.

Mr Dogbatse expressed the hope that the team that would qualify for the First Division out of the seven participating teams would be the best.

The competing clubs are Kpando Heart of Lions, Aflao Golden Eyes, the tournament favourites, Juapong Oke Stars, Jasikan Buem United, Dabala Tongu Fruits, Aflao United and Denu Ketu United .

Worawora Evergreens failed to turn up for the games because of financial constraints.

Kpando Hearts of Lions, which started as tournament underdogs, with their poor showing against Denu based Ketu United whom they surprisingly beat 1-0 on Thursday, however showed phenomenal improvement against Aflao United whom they beat 4-0 on Friday.

Aflao Golden Eyes also thrashed Jasikan Buem United 2-0 on Friday after whipping Dabala Tongu Fruits 3-1 on Thursday.

In the other match on Friday, Dabala Tongu Fruits made up for the humiliation they suffered at the hands of Aflao Golden Eyes the previous day by thrashing Juapong Oke Stars 4-3 to strengthen their chances in the tournament.

Afloa Golden Eyes and Kpando Hearts of Lions are currently leading in the two groups.