Utrecht FC to establish Academy in Cape Coast

Utrecht FC of Netherland is to establish a Football Academy in the ancient capital of Ghana, Cape Coast, to unearth talents among the youth in the area.

Jacob Anthony Aihoon (Coach Tony), trainer of 'Be Just FC' in Cape Coast, a third division football team, which is currently recruiting people to the second division, has revealed to The Chronicle in Cape Coast on Tuesday.

He said he visited The Netherlands last September and had discussion with Van Doop, Chairman of Utrecht FC, as well as the owner of the club, Frans van Seumeren, on the possibility of establishing a football academy here.

Aihoon said during the discussions, the two figures made it known that the club had intention of establishing two academies, one in Brazil and the other in Ghana, precisely Cape Coast.

He said two Ghanaian internationals, Francis Dicko and Nana Kwesi Asare, played for Utrecht, adding that this has made the club realise that Ghanaians abound in talents.

Aihoon said his locally based club is taking inspiration from Gomoa Feteh Feynoord Academy, which has produced great talents in Harrison Afful and national second goalie, William Amamoo, among others.

He said he met one of the Utrecht team executives in Cape Coast and put forward a proposal that was accepted by the owner and chairman during his visit to the Dutch land.

Aihoon thanked the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for facilitating the process of establishing a football academy in Cape Coast as well as the Dutch Embassy for granting him visa to travel outside.

When constructed, the Central Region will have two football academies.