Since his appointment, Jafaru Awudu Mustapha, Salford Red Devils Ghana Rugby League Development Manager, has been active in Ghana, working to develop the sport and further the Red Devils footprint.
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Schools Partnerships
- Community Activation & Talent ID
- Volunteer Workforce
- What next?
Stakeholder Engagement
On July 26, Jafaru joined Rugby League Federation Ghana President Madame Storey in hosting a breakfast meet with key stakeholders from corporate Ghana, government, and media to discuss plans of promoting and investing in Rugby League.
The event was covered on national broadcast by Ghana TV…
On July 29, the British Embassy and the Deputy High Commissioner, Keith McMahon MBE, hosted RLFG and Jafaru to discuss the trajectory of rugby league within the nation.
A signed Salford Red Devils jersey was presented to the Deputy High Commissioner.
Schools Partnerships
As part of the project, Jafaru will be activating within schools, ensuring the young people of Ghana have an opportunity to engage with Salford Red Devils and rugby league.
At Awutu Winton, a school located in the Central Region, close to 45 participants are engaged in rugby league. Around thirty 16-18 year olds – many of whom are displaced or orphaned – took part in a rugby league session.
Community Activation & Talent ID
Throughout July, the remaining games of the 2024 men’s, women’s and youth’s seasons came to their conclusion. Whilst delivering coaching and technical support, Jafaru tasked with the final talent ID requirements linking into the Origins Cup.
The aim for the new season is to integrate and drive participation within the championships through the development work across Accra.
The Origins Cup pits two teams against one another to identify the best 34-40 players across the country.
Players are selected via the 9s, championship, schools and regional activity supported by RLFG.
Jafaru will now lead the principal selections for each other the Mens, Womens, and Youth teams.
Volunteer Workforce
Working in tandem with Jafaru, six additional volunteer staff have been deployed with the focus of promoting rugby league throughout 4 regions.
The period of July 1 and July 31 resulted in a total 38 sessions, with a throughput of 564 males and 274 females.
What next?
After a busy first month, the team in Ghana show no signs of slowing down, with trips to Kumasi and then the volta region bringing mass schools coaching, with an expected 500 participants engaging with rugby league.
Both Jafaru and RLFG President, Madame Julianna Storey received invitations from Deputy High Commissioner, Keith McMahon MBE, to attend the King’s Birthday, where Jafaru has been asked to talk about his work with Salford Red Devils.
In addition to the six volunteers supporting Jafaru, plans are underway to recruit a further four in the coming months, with the intention to introduce the sport into more schools.
We’re also delighted to be welcoming RLFG President, Madame Storey to our game against Huddersfield on the 24th August.
In the meantime, supporters are encouraged to stay updated with all the progress in Ghana, and to follow the Rugby League Federation Ghana on X, Instagram, and Facebook, where you can find out all about when Jafaru and the team are delivering sessions, or even discussing the work on GTVSports+…
