Several prominent European clubs from countries like France, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, Denmark, Croatia, and Norway have expressed keen interest in collaborating with the Kenpong Football Academy.
This development follows a comprehensive European tour led by Mr. Kennedy Agyepong (Kenpong), the Chief Executive Officer of the Academy and a renowned business figure.
During this tour, negotiations were finalised with various clubs and individuals aimed at fostering cooperation in player development and facility enhancement at the state-of-the-art Academy located in Winneba.
In a recent telephone interview, Kenpong disclosed that three top European clubs have already finalised agreements and are scheduled to visit Ghana in the upcoming weeks.
One of the notable partnerships secured is with French club Bastia, which has committed to providing materials for the construction of a modern astroturf pitch at the Academy premises.
Additionally, Bastia will offer significant financial support for the project.
In return, Kenpong Academy will facilitate the transfer of promising talents to Bastia and other European clubs.
The visible manifestation of Bastia’s partnership will include their promotional materials and marketing insignia being prominently displayed at the Kenpong Academy.
Furthermore, Bastia will actively contribute to the technical development of the academy by assigning a top-class coach to lead its coaching department.
“It has been a fruitful tour, very engaging, hectic, having travelled extensively, but it has been worthwhile,” said Kenpong.
He added, “I met with the clubs’ CEOs and they are ready to partner with us. They were impressed by the energy and determination of Kenpong and also by the fact that he had single-handedly developed a project like the Academy in Winneba.
“They are ready to travel far with us and that has urged me on to go the extra mile. They accorded me preferential treatment, including VIP seating at the Strasbourg Stadium, and I was humbled by their show of respect. I am indeed grateful for their warm gesture.”
Kenpong had profuse gratitude for S. C. Bastia President Claude Ferrandi and Technical Director Eric Descombes for the exceptional manner in which they received him, opening the club’s offices to him and referring to him as one of their own.
“I am really grateful for the professional manner in which they handled my visit. It warmed my heart greatly.”
In the latter part of 2023, Kenpong, accompanied by former Black Stars Coach and captain Kwasi Appiah, embarked on a tour of several clubs in Spain and France.
During this tour, top officials from Spanish powerhouse Barcelona visited the Kenpong Football Academy in Winneba. Following their visit to the academy, the Barcelona delegation also paid a courtesy call to the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Yussif.