A bright future for rugby league in Ghana

The Rugby League Federation Ghana (RLFG) recently made a significant impact in the Volta Region by participating in the annual youth camp organized by the Nneka Foundation. This two-week event, held in Ve Agbome, brought together over 500 children from 28 districts across Ghana, offering them a unique opportunity to learn new skills, gain knowledge, and participate in empowering activities.

A New Partnership with a Shared Vision

At the heart of this collaboration is Mrs. Cecilia Fiaka, the founder and primary funder of Nneka Foundation. Her vision of youth empowerment aligns perfectly with RLFG's mission to use sports as a tool for social and personal development. The Nneka Foundation camp focuses on teaching children aged 7 to 18 valuable life skills, including soap and bead making, personal hygiene, and leadership.

During the camp, the RLFG team had the opportunity to engage with Mrs. Fiaka, who welcomed the idea of incorporating rugby league into the camp's activities. Recognizing the potential of sports to inspire and unite, she agreed to invite RLFG back each year and offered the use of her field for future rugby league games and training sessions.

Introducing Rugby League to the Youth

One of the highlights of this year’s camp was the introduction of rugby league to the participants. Over 400 children were introduced to the sport, with 168 of them actively participating in practical sessions. The RLFG team conducted engaging presentations that explained the basics of rugby league, its rules, and its growing popularity worldwide. 

The children then took part in hands-on training, where they learned the fundamental skills of the sport, including passing, catching, and kicking. To further inspire the young participants, matches featuring Salford and Ghana were screened, showcasing the excitement and dynamism of rugby league.

Unlocking Potential in the Volta Region

The enthusiasm and natural talent displayed by the children were clear indicators of the untapped potential within the Volta Region. The RLFG team was impressed by the eagerness and skill level of the participants, many of whom showed a strong affinity for the sport despite being introduced to it for the first time.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Rugby League in Ghana

The partnership between RLFG and Nneka Foundation marks a significant milestone in the expansion of rugby league in Ghana. By integrating the sport into the Nneka Foundation's annual youth camp, RLFG is not only promoting physical fitness but also contributing to the holistic development of the youth in the Volta Region.

With the support of Mrs. Fiaka and the Nneka Foundation, RLFG is poised to make a lasting impact, inspiring a new generation of rugby league players and enthusiasts. This collaboration underscores the power of sports to bring about positive change and the importance of community partnerships in achieving sustainable development.

As RLFG continues to expand its reach across Ghana, the Volta Region stands out as a beacon of potential, ready to embrace rugby league and all the opportunities it brings. The future of the sport in Ghana looks bright, and the journey has only just begun.