SpotlightBBC SportUnverified source· 30 Aug 2026
Antonio-backed Ghana academy trials in England
Teenagers from Ghana's Samba Stars Academy spend two and a half months in England chasing pro contracts.

Backed by
Michail Antonio
Based
Kumasi, Ghana
Trials
Bournemouth, Everton, Man City, Charlton, Preston, Barnsley, Peterborough
Duration
Two and a half months in England
What happened. The Samba Stars Academy, backed by Michail Antonio, brought young Ghanaian players to England for trials with multiple clubs.
- Players from the academy impressed clubs, earning trials this summer.
- Coach Freddie Okyere says the players are hungry and want to show their talent.
- Academy aims to be top two or three in Ghana with new facility in Bompata.
“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.”
— Freddie Okyere
The academy hopes to bring more Ghanaian talent to Europe with its new facility.
In this story
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