The state of football in the Tolon District is a cause for concern. The once-thriving sport is experiencing a significant decline, with alarming trends that threaten the future of football in the district. As we ponder the question, “Are we going or are we coming?” it’s essential to examine the root causes of this decline and spark a collective effort to revitalize Tolon District football.
The Lack of Representation in Division Two and Three Leagues. A stark reality is the absence of a Division Two club in the Tolon District as only club rep Nyankpala Shooting Stars has just been relegated back to the district division three league. This is a clear indication of the district’s inability to compete at higher levels because we no longer have a club representating the district at the regional level. Furthermore, only two clubs will participate in the upcoming 2024/2025 Division Three league season, a decline as compared to last season where 4 clubs participated in the league. Why are they numbers not increasing but rather reduced? The big question is that this limited representation undermines the district’s potential for growth and development in football. While we hear allegations of favouritism against some Division Three clubs from some communities in the district for the reduction in the number for division Three clubs in this year’s league and think there may be more to it that just the alleged favouritism but that’s another day’s discussions.
Juvenile Football in Shambles! The situation is equally dire at the juvenile level. Only four clubs or so have registered with the necessary codes (FIFA CONNECT SYSTEM), and even these clubs have few or no players registered in the system. This scarcity of young talent and organized juvenile clubs jeopardizes the future of football in the Tolon District. As i commend the Tolon District Football (TDFA) and the juvenile committee chairman person and his members for have recorded a huge number of new juvenile teams in this year’s league, I would also like the admonished the absence of some well established juvenile clubs in this year’s league, I suggest there should be more collective effort from leadership and club administrators to bring ever club on board.
A Troubling Observation: Absence from Regional Teams. A disturbing fact is that not even one player from the Tolon District is included in the Northern Regional U-15 and U-17 boys teams. This raises serious questions about the district’s ability to identify, develop, and showcase young talent.
Systemic Issues and Lack of Accountability. Whilst the district football association is making efforts to support clubs, particularly in obtaining FIFA codes, most clubs and administrators are not making sufficient use of these resources. This lack of accountability and ineffective management is exacerbating the decline of Tolon District football.
If left unaddressed, the decline of Tolon District football will have far-reaching consequences:
Loss of Talent: The district risks losing its most promising young players to other regions or countries with more developed football infrastructures.
Social Consequences: Football plays a vital role in promoting social cohesion, discipline, and healthy lifestyles. A decline in football participation will have negative social implications for the district’s youth.
Reversing the decline of Tolon District football requires immediate attention and collective effort. Stakeholders, including:
Local Authorities: Provide infrastructure support, resources, and policies that promote football development.
Football Administrators: Develop and implement effective strategies for talent identification, coaching, and club development while collaborating to bring investors on board.
Community Leaders: Mobilize support, encourage participation, and facilitate partnerships with local businesses and organizations.
Parents and Guardians: Encourage and support their children’s participation in football, ensuring their safety and well-being and the provision of the necessary training kits for their children.
Clubs and Administrators: Take responsibility for utilizing resources effectively, developing young talent, and promoting football development in the district.
Together, we can revitalize Tolon District football and restore its former glory. The question remains: Are we going to stand by and watch the decline continue, or are we going to take action and ensure a brighter future for football in the Tolon District? The choice is ours.
Godwin A Apullah (Coach Ambassador)
Freelance journalist
Club Administrators
Head Coach of SARI FC
Nyankpala-Tamale NR
0245258551
