The 2026 Onua-Atena Community League was on Sunday launched at the La McDan Park with participating teams urged to put up their best during the three-week competition.
A total of 32 teams were unveiled as participants for this year’s edition, which will be held exclusively at the La McDan Park unlike the previous rotational edition.
Addressing the players and team officials, the National Coordinator for Schools and Grassroots Sports at the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, Professor Emmanuel Sarpong, who represented the sector minister, announced government’s plans to aggressively monitor competitions like the Onua-Atena Community League in order to recruit talents for the various national teams.
He said there are also plans to award scholarships to boys and girls who participate in these competitions in order to get them ready for their respective careers.
He made a passionate appeal to corporate Ghana to contribute to the Sports Fund in order to help such initiatives.
On his part, Head of Onua FM Emmanuel Efo Kwame Dzakpasu reiterated the commitment of his radio station to care for humanity.
“We believe in investing in the people who make our communities stronger,” he said.
“This Onua-Atena Community League is, therefore, not just about winning trophies, it is about creating opportunities, discovering talents, building friendship, promoting discipline, and encouraging healthy lifestyle among our communities.”
He urged the 32 teams to be proud for making it to the competition proper though there will be one winner at the end of the competition.
Past and present national football stars including goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, Prince Tagoe, Dan Quaye and Amankwah Mireku took turns to advise the players, spurring them on to give their best in order to attract interest from agents.
Customer Experience Manager at Atena NLA Joel Addae conveyed the pride of his firm in partnering Onua FM for the competition.
“We are proud to support the teams, players and organisers Onua team,” he said. “We have made this possible and we are looking forward to an exciting competition.”
The launch was followed immediately by the zonal matches with Aworshia Movement-Klala losing the first game by 3-0 to Dome Community.
At the end of the day, Lashibi Community 17 and Aworshia Movement-Anglican FC made it as the two representatives from Zone A.
Zone B and Zone C games are scheduled for the same venue on Saturday and Sunday, August 16 respectively.
