Football is more than just a sport in Ghana — it is a passion, a culture, and a pathway to global opportunities. Many of Africa’s finest footballers, such as Michael Essien, Asamoah Gyan, and Thomas Partey, began their journeys in football academies that helped them develop their skills and discipline.

If you’re looking for the complete list of top football academies in Ghana and their fees (2025), this detailed guide explains everything you need to know. You will discover the most reputable academies, their locations, fees, facilities, enrollment processes, and what sets each apart.

Whether you are a parent supporting your child’s dream or a player aiming for greatness, this guide will help you make the right choice.

Why Join a Football Academy in Ghana?

Football academies in Ghana offer professional training, mentorship, and exposure that young talents cannot find elsewhere. Here are key benefits of enrolling in one:

  • Access to experienced and licensed coaches.

  • Structured football education programs.

  • Regular matches and tournaments for competitive experience.

  • Opportunities to be scouted by local and international clubs.

  • Character development and discipline.

Ghana’s success in African and global football is closely linked to its network of grassroots academies.

How Much Do Football Academies in Ghana Cost?

The cost of enrolling in a Ghanaian football academy varies depending on:

  • Prestige and reputation of the academy.

  • Accommodation, meals, and schooling (if included).

  • Duration and type of program (full-time, part-time, or camps).

  • International exposure opportunities.

On average, tuition and training fees range between ₵5,000 to ₵50,000 per year in 2025. Some academies also offer scholarships for highly talented players.

Complete List of Top Football Academies in Ghana and Their Fees (2025)

Below is a detailed breakdown of Ghana’s leading football academies, their fees, and what they offer.

1. Right to Dream Academy

Right to Dream is Ghana’s most renowned academy, known for producing players who succeed in Europe and beyond.

  • Location: Old Akrade, Eastern Region.

  • Facilities: Modern training pitches, gym, hostels, classrooms, and dining facilities.

  • Fees: Free for admitted players — fully funded by scholarships.

  • Age Range: 10–18 years.

Right to Dream focuses on academic excellence, character development, and world-class football training.

2. West African Football Academy (WAFA)

WAFA has produced many players for the Ghanaian national team and European clubs.

  • Location: Sogakope, Volta Region.

  • Facilities: State-of-the-art stadium, dormitories, fitness centre, and classrooms.

  • Fees: Around ₵15,000 – ₵30,000 per year (scholarships available).

  • Age Range: 12–20 years.

WAFA competes in Ghana’s top football leagues, providing players with elite competition experience.

3. Lizzy Sports Complex Academy

Founded by former Ghanaian football star Marcel Desailly, this academy emphasizes holistic training.

  • Location: East Legon, Accra.

  • Facilities: Artificial turf pitches, swimming pool, fitness centre, and classrooms.

  • Fees: About ₵10,000 – ₵20,000 per year.

  • Age Range: 6–18 years.

Lizzy Sports combines football, fitness, and personal development in a supportive environment.

4. Unistar Soccer Academy

One of the fastest-growing academies in Ghana, known for discovering raw talent from rural areas.

  • Location: Kasoa, Central Region.

  • Facilities: Well-maintained pitches, dormitories, and basic educational support.

  • Fees: Approximately ₵5,000 – ₵15,000 per year.

  • Age Range: 10–18 years.

Unistar gives underprivileged but talented players a platform to shine.

5. Feyenoord Fetteh Academy (Now WAFA)

Previously known as Feyenoord Fetteh, now WAFA after Feyenoord’s exit.

  • Location: Sogakope, Volta Region.

  • Facilities: Excellent training grounds, hostels, medical and educational facilities.

  • Fees: Integrated into WAFA — see WAFA fees above.

It retains its reputation as a top breeding ground for Ghanaian talent.

6. Phobia Soccer Academy (Hearts of Oak)

This academy is run by Accra Hearts of Oak SC, one of Ghana’s oldest football clubs.

  • Location: Accra.

  • Facilities: Training fields, access to Hearts of Oak senior team facilities, mentorship.

  • Fees: About ₵8,000 – ₵20,000 per year.

  • Age Range: 12–20 years.

Players with exceptional talent may graduate into Hearts of Oak’s professional team.

7. Liberty Professionals Football Academy

A feeder program to Liberty Professionals FC, known for developing stars like Michael Essien.

  • Location: Dansoman, Accra.

  • Facilities: Grass and artificial pitches, gym, hostels, and educational support.

  • Fees: Approximately ₵7,000 – ₵15,000 per year.

  • Age Range: 10–18 years.

Liberty remains a household name in youth football development in Ghana.

8. Dreams FC Youth Academy

This academy focuses on creating pathways for young players to professional football locally and internationally.

  • Location: Dawu, Eastern Region.

  • Facilities: Standard pitches, accommodation, and mentorship programs.

  • Fees: Around ₵10,000 – ₵25,000 per year.

  • Age Range: 12–20 years.

Dreams FC regularly promotes academy graduates to its senior team competing in the Ghana Premier League.

9. Great Olympics Youth Academy

The youth arm of Accra Great Olympics FC, nurturing young players to join the club’s senior squad.

  • Location: Accra.

  • Facilities: Training grounds, exposure to competitive matches, and experienced coaching.

  • Fees: Roughly ₵6,000 – ₵12,000 per year.

  • Age Range: 10–19 years.

The academy maintains its focus on producing technically skilled players for Ghanaian and international clubs.

10. Tema Youth Soccer Academy

Tema Youth is known for its competitive approach to developing young footballers.

  • Location: Tema, Greater Accra Region.

  • Facilities: Pitches, basic accommodation, and professional coaching staff.

  • Fees: Between ₵8,000 – ₵15,000 per year.

  • Age Range: 12–18 years.

This academy has built a reputation for consistency in developing competitive players.

Summary Table: Top Football Academies in Ghana and Their Fees (2025)

Academy Location Fees (₵) Age Range
Right to Dream Academy Old Akrade Free (Scholarship) 10–18
West African Football Academy (WAFA) Sogakope 15,000 – 30,000 12–20
Lizzy Sports Complex Academy East Legon, Accra 10,000 – 20,000 6–18
Unistar Soccer Academy Kasoa 5,000 – 15,000 10–18
Feyenoord Fetteh (Now WAFA) Sogakope Integrated into WAFA 12–20
Phobia Soccer Academy (Hearts) Accra 8,000 – 20,000 12–20
Liberty Professionals Academy Dansoman, Accra 7,000 – 15,000 10–18
Dreams FC Youth Academy Dawu 10,000 – 25,000 12–20
Great Olympics Youth Academy Accra 6,000 – 12,000 10–19
Tema Youth Soccer Academy Tema 8,000 – 15,000 12–18

How to Choose the Right Football Academy in Ghana

Here are factors to consider before selecting an academy:

  • Budget: Choose an academy within your financial means.

  • Track record: Check the success stories and alumni of the academy.

  • Facilities: Modern facilities and proper accommodation are key.

  • Coaching staff: Look for experienced, licensed trainers.

  • Exposure: Opt for academies with links to professional clubs and international scouts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there free football academies in Ghana?

Yes. Right to Dream Academy is fully funded and admits players on scholarships.

Do academies in Ghana provide education alongside football?

Several academies, such as Right to Dream and WAFA, integrate academics with football training.

At what age can one join a football academy?

Most academies accept players between 6 and 20 years, though it varies per academy.

Do academies guarantee professional contracts?

No academy can guarantee contracts, but they significantly improve a player’s chances by offering exposure and development.

Are there opportunities for girls in Ghanaian football academies?

While many focus on boys, some programs are beginning to include girls. Enquire directly with the academy.

Final Thoughts on Football Academies in Ghana and Their Fees (2025)

The complete list of top football academies in Ghana and their fees (2025) above shows that Ghana continues to invest in grassroots football, producing talents that shine locally and abroad. If you’re serious about developing your football career, choosing the right academy is a big step toward achieving your dream.

Take the time to research, attend trials, and commit fully — the next football star could be you.