Ghana Beach Soccer Clubs set for FIFA Coaches Training Course

With the ongoing closure of beaches across Ghana, dozens of Beach Soccer teams continue to train and play friendly matches on the low key and without crowds behind closed doors.

However, the patience and resilience of players, officials and coaches over the past 18 months will soon pay off following confirmation by the Ghana Football Association of a FIFA Beach Soccer Coaching Course in the Ghanaian capital in November.

Although Beach Soccer competitions have returned elsewhere across Africa, including the Afcon tournament successfully staged in Senegal, Ghana has been left out of the equation due to the ban on activities at beaches.

The Afcon in Senegal was followed by the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Russia where Mozambique and five times African Champions Senegal made their mark with impressive victories over previous World Champions Portugal and Brazil.

According to a release by Gfa Communications, the FIFA Coaches Course will be open to coaches from all registered Beach Soccer Clubs in the country from the 23rd to 26th November 2021.

At least 30 coaches are expected to participate in the course to be led by seasoned FIFA Beach Soccer Instructor Angelo Schirinzi.

This would be only the second time that Beach Soccer Clubs in Ghana have had the opportunity to undertake such a course since 2014 when FIFA Instructor Talib Hilal coordinated a one week course in Prampram for 20 Coaches.

GFA Technical Director Benhard Lippert and Director of Coaching Education Prof Joseph Mintah will be coordinating the course.

Ghana Beach Soccer stakeholders are confident that the lifting of the ban on activities at Beaches across Ghana would be announced soon to allow them step up their activities and competitions.

Meanwhile, non traditional Beach Soccer communities in the Eastern, Ashanti and Oti regions are set to host a number of competitions away from beaches by transporting sand for beach soccer pitches.