The two-day Train-the-Trainer programme, held at the McDan La Town Park, brought together 16 physical education instructors from selected basic, junior and senior high schools in the Greater Accra Region. The programme aimed to enhance the instructors' knowledge and skills in training and mentoring female student-athletes. Sports Envoy Amy Griffin, a 1991 FIFA Women’s World Cup winner with the U.S., and former American professional soccer player Kofi Sarkodie led on-field soccer drills involving more than 60 girls from local schools.
The programme covered practical skills, communication, coaching methodology, team culture, building technical capacity and the hands-on application of new techniques with female student-athletes. Participants at the programme have hailed its impact and called for more collaboration to help equip trainers to positively impact the girl child. The programme was organised by the U.S. Embassy’s Public Diplomacy Section.
The Deputy Regional P.E. Coordinator for the Greater Accra Region under the Ghana Education Service (GES), Mr Malcolm Frimpong, praised the training, saying it provided valuable insights that would help participants create a more supportive and empowering environment for girls participating in sports. He noted that coaches play a crucial role in the development of female student-athletes, not only by improving their sporting abilities but also by providing guidance, encouragement and mentorship.
Mr Frimpong thanked the U.S. Embassy for hosting the event and called for stronger collaboration to sustain and expand the initiative. He emphasised that a well-equipped coaching workforce contributes significantly to nurturing talent while promoting discipline, confidence, team culture, bonding and other positive values among female student-athletes.
Mr Adu Antwi, a P.E. teacher at Frafraha Community Senior High School, described the programme as an eye-opener for him and his colleagues, broadening their horizon and giving them greater insight into the latest trends in dealing with young talents at the basic, junior and senior high school levels. He expressed hope that the training would not be the last of such programmes organised by the Embassy.
The Education and Cultural Attaché at the U.S. Embassy, Madam Donya Eldridge, announced that the Embassy had made available practical gear, including balls, bibs and bags, to sustain the training of the participating students and their colleagues. The programme was attended by instructors from La Presby A&B JHS, La Emmaus JHS, La Salem, La St. Paul’s and Enobal Basic Schools.
The Train-the-Trainer programme is part of efforts to promote sports development and empower female student-athletes in Ghana. The programme's impact is expected to be felt in the region, with participants expected to apply the skills and knowledge gained to improve the sporting abilities of their students.
Key points
- The programme was organised by the U.S. Embassy’s Public Diplomacy Section.
- The training covered practical skills, communication, coaching methodology, team culture, building technical capacity and the hands-on application of new techniques with female student-athletes.
- The U.S. Embassy provided practical gear to sustain the training of the participating students and their colleagues.
