Nestlé Ghana Strengthens Youth Football Development as 2025 MILO U-13 Champions League Kicks Off

 

The excitement around youth football reached new heights in Accra as Nestlé Ghana unveiled the 2025 edition of the MILO Under 13 Champions League, renewing its long-standing commitment to discovering and shaping the next generation of Ghanaian football stars.

For more than twenty years, the tournament has stood as one of the most reliable foundations for grassroots football development, giving young boys and girls the chance to showcase their talent and grow through the sport they love.

A Tournament Built on Values and Opportunity

Managing Director of Nestlé Ghana, Salome Azevedo, said the company’s continued investment in the tournament is driven by its belief in football’s ability to shape character and transform lives.

“Football teaches children discipline, teamwork and confidence. These are qualities that can shape their futures, both on and off the pitch,” she said.

She noted that the tournament has already produced notable footballers such as Abdul Majeed Waris, Fatawu Issahaku and Kelvin Nkrumah, who once began as hopeful youngsters on school fields before stepping onto professional and international stages.

Reaching Young Players Across the Country

Category Manager for Beverages, Myron Otoo, emphasised the nationwide reach of the event, describing it as one of Ghana’s largest and most inclusive school sports initiatives.

The MILO Under 13 Champions League attracts more than 100,000 schoolchildren from every region, going through District, Zonal and National stages. This year alone, over 20,000 young players are expected to compete directly in the tournament, with the top 16 schools advancing to the National Finals.

Beyond the championship, Nestlé continues to deepen its influence through the MILO Building Champs platform, which has already empowered 1.9 million schoolchildren in 2025 with lessons in healthy living, teamwork and resilience.

“These values form the foundation of what MILO represents,” Otoo said. “We want children to stay active, stay focused and have the belief that they can excel.”

Football Icons Encourage Young Dreamers

Ghana captain André “Dede” Ayew, the brand icon for the 2025 tournament, praised Nestlé Ghana and the Ghana Education Service for providing a platform that consistently shapes dreams and builds confidence in young talents.

“This tournament has created stars, inspired dreams and given hope to many children across Ghana,” he said.

Ayew also expressed pride in partnering with Stephen Appiah, whom he regards as a mentor and leader. Together, they aim to guide young players and inspire them to embrace discipline, respect and hard work.

“No dream is too big,” Ayew encouraged. “If you commit to improving every day, football can take you places you never imagined.”

Shaping the Future of Ghanaian Football

At a time when Ghana continues to search for renewed energy in its football development pipeline, the MILO Under 13 Champions League offers a critical lifeline. By providing structured competition, coaching and national exposure, Nestlé Ghana is helping to shape the next wave of football stars while promoting health, discipline and active lifestyles.

As the tournament unfolds, thousands of children will once again take to fields across the country hoping to turn their passion into possibility. For Nestlé Ghana, that is the true purpose of the MILO Under 13 Champions League — giving every child a fair chance to dream, play and succeed.