Essipon to host MILO U-13 Champions League finals

The 2026 MILO Under-13 Champions League will reach its climax at the Essipon Stadium in the Western Region from April 21 to 25, as more than 5,000 young footballers gather for the national finals of one of Ghana’s most influential grassroots competitions.

In a significant shift, organisers have moved the finals from their traditional base in the Ashanti Region to Essipon, a decision that signals a refreshed approach to hosting the tournament and expanding its national footprint.

The competition, an initiative of Nestlé Ghana Ltd, engages over 100,000 pupils nationwide through a structured three-tier system — district, zonal and national stages — culminating in the top 16 schools battling for honours and individual accolades at the finals.

The new season was officially launched at Nestlé Ghana’s head office at Dzorwulu in Accra, where stakeholders gathered for a high-energy event that blended football, culture and legacy.

Highlights included the unveiling of a new trophy and a tribute marking 20 years since Stephen Appiah led Ghana to its maiden FIFA World Cup appearance in 2006.

In another major boost, former Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan was unveiled as the new brand ambassador, reinforcing the competition’s credibility and connection to elite-level football.

Education first, football always

Speaking at the launch, the Managing Director of Nestlé Ghana, Salomé Azevedo, reaffirmed the company’s long-standing commitment to youth development through sport.

“At Nestlé Ghana, we firmly believe in the transformative power of sports — especially football — in shaping the lives of young people,” she said. “For more than two decades, we have partnered key stakeholders to nurture talent, build character and promote healthy lifestyles among schoolchildren across the country.”

While encouraging participants to compete with passion, she stressed the primacy of education.

Platform for future stars

Nestlé Ghana’s Category Manager for Beverages and Dairy, Myron Otoo, highlighted the broader impact of the tournament beyond competition.

He described the relocation to Essipon as a defining feature of this year’s edition, reflecting a renewed vision for the competition’s growth and national reach.

The tournament’s legacy remains one of its strongest selling points, with several former participants progressing into professional football and earning national team recognition — a testament to its role as a pipeline for Ghana’s future stars.

Backed by key institutional partners including the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service, the Ministry of Sports and Recreation and the Ghana

Football Association, the MILO U-13 Champions League continues to blend sport with education and character development.

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