The Right to Dream Academy sited at Old Akrade, near Akosombo in the Eastern Region of Ghana is one of the most popular football Academies in the world. For fifteen years, Right to Dream has sought to unearth raw talents that exists in Ghana, and provide those young players with the opportunity to realize their dreams as footballers. Founded in 1999 by Tom Vernon, a British social entrepreneur and football enthusiast, the Academy last Friday outdoored its new Mantrac Center, a cluster of six football fields developed by Mantrac Ghana Ltd, the authorized Caterpillar dealer in Ghana, established in 1937. The expansion and good image of Right to Dream and its scientific approach to training of young sportsmen and women as well as it’s positive philosophy has enabled them attract more students from all over the continent.
Right to Dream now boasts of several nationalities with players of both sexes from all over the world. Just a fortnight ago, six new young boys aged between 12 and 14 were introduced into the Academy after they excelled in a contest competed by over 200 players in Lagos. Coach Bankole of the Eko State Football Directorate said he knows what they boys can benefit from Ghana that is where he brought them to the Right to Dream Academy. Danilda Ogunkey, Daniel Babalola, Salam Mubarak, Muntala Toheeb, Akinsanya Olaitan and Akanbi Emmanuel all from Lagos State in Nigeria dream to become top stars in future. They told yours truly the Academy is more than a home and a school and they love the serene atmosphere. Keanin Aver is also from South Africa and dreams to be like his national star Steve Pienaar. He said the Right to Dream Academy is another experience in West Africa and does not miss home. According to Tom Vernon, the founder of the Academy programme combines academic, character and talent development. “We have awarded five-year scholarships to over 100 children to study at the Academy”. He said the Mantrac Center has added other touch to the facility and they hope to develop further and entice more kids interested in football.
He noted that very soon Right to Dream will poach disabled sports people and support them to participate in the Paralympics.
