Right to Dream Academy for Manchester Cup

The reigning Premier Cup Champions of Africa, Right to Dream Academy (RtD), last Tuesday began yet another campaign  in the world finals of the Manchester United Premier Cup in Manchester.

RtD are the most successful African U-15 football side in recent times, having placed fourth in the last eight editions of the Premier Cup.

The Ghanaian academy team will be representing Africa together with South African newcomers, Rosina Sedibane Sports School, in the 20th edition of the tournament.

The Ghanaian side qualified for the prestigious tournament after beating Tunisian side, Esperance, 4-2 on penalties after the game ended 0-0 in regulation time in May.

Led by their coach, Umar Kenya, the team left Accra for Manchester last Saturday to finalise preparations for the tournament, which is highly regarded as the ultimate experience for U-15 teams in the world. For over a decade, RtD has been working to offer opportunities to talented under-privileged children across Ghana and Africa. The school currently enrols students from Ghana, Cote D’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Benin and South Africa.

The technical director of RtD, Gareth Henderby, said the tournament would present a good platform for his team to prove themselves.

He said, "The tournament is such a great opportunity for these young Ghanaian boys. Many of them love football with a passion, but lack the chance to prove themselves at higher levels nationally."

RtD are facing opposition from 19 top teams drawn from the various continents, including top European sides such as  AC Milan, Spain's 1994 champions, Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund from Germany,  Arsenal FC, tournament hosts Manchester United, among others.

The finalists will enjoy the experience of a lifetime as they play the final match in a curtain raiser to Rio Ferdinand's Testimonial with Manchester Utd against Sevilla at Old Trafford today.

By Graphic Sports / Ghana