Ghanaian Youngsters Earn UK Football Trials with Samba Stars Academy

Ghanaian academy Samba Stars wrap up UK trial stint with elite European clubs scouting their young talent

Leicestershire, England — After two and a half months training and playing across England, the Samba Stars Academy from Ghana have concluded their UK tour aimed at securing professional contracts for their teenage players.

The squad, backed by former West Ham and Nottingham Forest forward Michail Antonio, spent the summer in England facing youth teams from EFL clubs and non-league sides as part of a bold initiative to bypass traditional scouting routes. Most African academies rarely travel to Europe to showcase their players directly in front of professional clubs.

“The talent the lads have is incredible,” said Antonio. “We created Samba Stars Academy to give young players in Ghana access to elite coaching, shape them as players and create real avenues into the pro game and show how much talent Ghana has.”

Based in Kumasi with a new facility under construction in Bompata, the academy’s strategy has already yielded results. Seven English clubs — Bournemouth, Everton, Manchester City, Charlton, Preston, Barnsley and Peterborough — have taken players on trial this summer.

Head coach Freddie Okyere said the reaction from clubs grew more positive as the tour progressed. “The first two or three weeks it hadn’t sunk in, but then they saw the facilities we’d be [using] and the teams we were playing,” he said. “They want to go and show what they can do. They are hungry, they really want it.”

Midfielder Listowell Lord Hinneh became one of the academy’s first success stories in February when he joined Middlesbrough after a trial. The 18-year-old, who now trains with Boro’s first team, described the move as life-changing. “When I came in January, it was so cold. Experiencing something like that for the first time was tough,” he said.

Hinneh, whose sister lives in Leeds, met the current squad during their UK tour and offered advice. “What you’ve been dreaming about the future, it starts from here,” he told them. “Don’t just try, be so passionate.”

Rob Newman, a former West Ham head of recruitment and Manchester City’s international scouting manager, has worked closely with Samba Stars in both Ghana and England. He believes several players are close to professional contracts.

“Nothing will give me greater pleasure in six months than going to see these boys playing in a first team in Europe,” Newman said. “I believe they are two or three months away from being able to do that.”

The academy’s 20-strong group initially faced visa hurdles, with all but one initially denied entry before being granted permission on re-evaluation. They have been hosted by Brook House College in Market Harborough and trained at National League North side Harborough Town.

Seventeen-year-old goalkeeper Joshua Tetteh Tuwor said the experience has transformed his view of professional football. “In Ghana we have the same passion but I’m seeing a different side of professional football,” he said.

The Stars opened their tour with a 9-0 win over Dorking Wanderers and followed with victories over Under-21 teams from Sheffield Wednesday, Luton Town and Peterborough. They drew with Sheffield United and Barnsley U21s and fell 3-2 to Preston’s youth side.

Antonio watched their 6-0 win over Peterborough U19s. “You can see from what they’ve done since they’ve been in the UK — the results against top teams — that they have what it takes to play pro level,” he said.

Ghana has qualified for five of the last six FIFA World Cups, reaching the quarter-finals in 2010. At this year’s tournament, eight members of the squad were born overseas, reflecting the nation’s growing diaspora influence.

Eight Ghanaians are currently in the Premier League, including Tottenham’s Mohammed Kudus and Manchester City’s Antoine Semenyo. Former Ghanaian players like Michael Essien and Jeffrey Schlupp have also lifted the trophy.

Sherif Mashud, an 18-year-old striker who has trained with Hungarian top-flight side Zalaegerszegi, emphasized the mental challenge. “Back home everyone is depending on you,” he said. “Everyone is praying for you.”

With the new English season underway, the Samba Stars’ UK tour may mark a turning point for African youth football, offering a direct pathway from Kumasi to Europe’s professional ranks.

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