Lawrence Baidoo: The African Schools Football Championship 2025 experience

In April 2025, I was fortunate to be one of 30 young journalists selected for the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) Young Reporters Workshop. This event was part of the 2025 African Schools Football Championship.

Like many young journalists, I grew up passionate about football. The opportunity was significant since Ghana won the bid to host the competition.

The Young Reporters Workshop aims to nurture future voices in African sports. CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe introduced this initiative, with Canal+ as a partner.

For me, this program was a chance to grow my career. I wanted to tell stories about the next generation of African stars in football.

From April 21 to 26, Legon Sports Stadium at the University of Ghana buzzed with energy. U-15 teams from across Africa competed fiercely, showcasing future football talents. The crowd's cheers and athletes' determination created an unforgettable storytelling backdrop.

I learned from facilitators like Ibrahim Sannie Daara and Thabang Mazibuko from CAF's Communication Team. Michael Oti Adjei, General Manager of Sports at Media General, also facilitated during the workshop.

Later in the workshop, two Canal+ journalists joined us. Romain Hussonnois and Anta Guindo shared valuable insights into our field.

We participated in various activities like field reporting and media zone interviews. This immersive experience sharpened my skills and commitment to authentic African sports stories.

The CAF Young Reporters Workshop shows how youth opportunities can transform African sport and journalism. It empowers young voices to share important stories about Africa's rich sporting heritage. This journey strengthened my resolve to tell impactful stories celebrating African sports.

A highlight was meeting CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe. His vision for competitive and self-sustaining African football inspired me deeply. He emphasized our role as young reporters in shaping narratives around African sports.

As a Ghanaian journalist, I felt biased towards my country but noticed many talented players across Africa.

The Ugandan duo Nabukeera and Kawizo stood out early in the competition. Their win over defending champions South Africa shocked everyone in the girls’ category.

In the boys' division, Tanzania overcame a slow start to defend their title successfully against Senegal in the final.

Covering this tournament allowed me to witness remarkable moments firsthand. Ghana’s U-15 Girls team won their first continental title while Tanzania’s Boys team defended theirs through a tense penalty shootout. These victories symbolized hope for youth football in Africa.

There were moments during the tournament that filled me with contentment. Jennifer Awuku paid tribute to her parents while captain Hajara Adams shared emotional post-match comments alongside head coach Joyce Boatey-Agyei’s fulfillment during mixed zone interviews after Ghana's games.

My highlights included capturing emotions from Jennifer Awuku and Joyce Boatey-Agyei—moments I cherished deeply on social media.

Launched just three years ago under Dr. Motsepe's vision, the African Schools Football Championship has impacted over 1.9 million young people across 46 nations according to CAF statistics. It stands as Africa’s most influential youth sports program today.

Its true legacy will not be measured by medals or game results but by its impact on classrooms and teachers empowered with better training resources for students’ aspirations.

As sunset approached in Accra, champions circled the field amid roaring crowds—a clear message emerged: Africa’s youth are ready for greatness through education anchored by sport.

This experience reminded me why I love what I do as I look forward to championing these young athletes' stories at future editions of the CAF African Schools Football Championship.