Ghana’s bold youth development drive: McLaren joins GFA as FIFA Talent Coach
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has strengthened its technical department with the appointment of seasoned coach and educator Stuart McLaren as a FIFA Talent Coach under the global FIFA Talent Development Scheme (TDS).
McLaren’s appointment, which spans two years, is part of FIFA’s drive to build robust, high-performance youth football structures across its member associations.
In a country renowned for its rich pool of raw talent, McLaren’s presence in Ghana is a timely boost to the FA’s youth development plans, as the experienced trainer is expected to inject world-class expertise and structure into the country’s talent identification and player development systems.
One of a select group of FIFA-approved Talent Coaches, McLaren will work under the guidance of GFA Technical Director, Prof. Joseph Kwame Mintah, to deliver on the objectives of the TDS – a flagship project under the supervision of Arsène Wenger, FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development.
His responsibilities include scouting youth talent through match observations across the country, collaborating with local coaches to shape long-term team-building goals, ensuring alignment with Ghana’s football identity, tactical systems, and team culture, and presenting actionable evaluations to stakeholders for policy and development decisions
FIFA describes the Talent Coach as a strategic asset, helping associations establish elite youth academies, refine coaching methodologies, and provide a pathway for promising talent to reach the global stage.
Wealth of experience
McLaren arrives with a stellar résumé built across Scotland, England, Northern Ireland, Australia, and Asia. As a UEFA Pro Licence holder, he combines top-tier coaching credentials with hands-on experience in youth development, elite academy environments, and international team management.
A 16-year playing career saw him turn out for clubs including Perth Glory, Brisbane Roar, Sarawak FC, Brisbane Strikers, Hong Kong Rangers, Stirling Albion, and Wollongong Wolves.
After his playing career, he transitioned seamlessly into coaching and education, working as head coach of Stirling Albion FC (2014–2016), manager of Scotland U-16 Boys’ national team (2016–2018), interim head coach of Scotland women’s national team (2021), manager of Celtic FC U-18s (2022–2023), Assistant Coach of Ireland women’s national team, and Coaching Education & Development Manager of the Scottish FA.
McLaren’s diverse background equips him with a unique lens on global football cultures, player development models, and coach education — assets that will prove invaluable to Ghana’s football ecosystem.
The experienced talent coach has already commenced his new role and visited key development hubs, including the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram and the GFA Elite Academy at Winkogo,
Bolgatanga, in the Upper East Region. H his early engagements reflect a hands-on approach and a desire to understand Ghana’s football landscape from the ground up.
