Ghana's Right to Dream Academy Expands to U.S., Shaping Future Football Stars

As the footballing world watches the rise of Ghanaian talents like Mohammed Kudus and Simon Adingra, a transformative academy known as Right to Dream is quietly expanding its impact across the globe, now setting its sights on the United States. This organization has been instrumental in shaping the careers of young African players, providing them with the tools necessary to thrive in professional football while ensuring they have a solid educational foundation. Seventeen-year-old Prince Amoako Junior, fresh off a hat-trick performance against Brondby’s under-19s, is the latest hopeful looking to carve out his path through this well-established system. Known simply as “Prince,” he embodies the aspirations of many young players who see their dreams within reach. With a likely transfer to FC Nordsjaelland (FCN) on the horizon once he turns 18, Prince is poised to become the 32nd graduate of the Right to Dream program to make this leap. The significance of this transition is underscored by the success stories of Kudus and Adingra, who have both made significant impacts in European football. Right to Dream, founded by former Manchester United scout Tom Vernon, operates as a free-of-charge student-athlete programme that first took root in Ghana. Its flagship academy emphasizes not only footballing skills but also education, instilling a sense of responsibility and community in its students. The unique partnership with FC Nordsjaelland, which was solidified in 2015 when Right to Dream bought the club, has allowed for an unprecedented integration of youth development strategies and playing styles. This synergy has resulted in FCN being recognized for giving under-20 players the highest percentage of game time of any senior club globally, with a staggering 37 percent of minutes played by such players between 2018 and 2023. The academy’s recent expansion into the U.S. represents an exciting new chapter. Backed by a $100 million investment from Man Capital, the UK-based investment arm of the Mansour Group, Right to Dream is set to launch its next academy in San Diego in January. This venture will offer six-year scholarship programmes to U.S. youths, mirroring its successful model in Ghana, Denmark, and Egypt. The first trials held in the U.S. recently attracted around 2,000 hopefuls, with many vying for a spot in the Right to Dream’s international academy, set to graduate its first class in 2030. What truly sets Right to Dream apart is its commitment to nurturing young talent in an environment that fosters growth and opportunity. By bridging the gap between the academy and the first team through the International Academy (IA), players receive essential training that prepares them for the rigors of professional football. This approach has been critical in helping young athletes transition smoothly into senior football, as seen in the experiences of players like Prince, who have been mentored and trained under the same principles that they will encounter at the first team level. The academy's philosophy, championed by Vernon, seeks to dismantle the barriers that often hinder young African players from succeeding in European football due to cultural and environmental shifts that can be overwhelming. By investing in their personal development and integrating educational opportunities alongside rigorous football training, Right to Dream ensures that its graduates are not just athletes but well-rounded individuals equipped to navigate the complexities of professional sports. As Right to Dream continues to expand its influence, the integration of diverse cultures within its academies plays a significant role in the overall development of its players. The collaboration between African and Scandinavian players fosters an enriching environment where mutual respect and understanding flourish. Cultural exchange initiatives, such as trips for Scandinavian players to Ghana, further enhance team cohesion and create a unified locker room atmosphere. While the success of Right to Dream is evident in the number of players it has developed and the financial gains achieved through transfers, its true impact lies in the lives transformed. Many graduates have not only pursued professional careers but have also seized opportunities for higher education, ensuring that they can uplift their communities and give back to those who supported their journeys. The story of Right to Dream is still unfolding. With its new academy in San Diego, the organization is set to cultivate the next generation of football stars while maintaining its core values of community and education. As Prince and his peers look toward their futures, they embody the hope and promise of what can be accomplished when dedication meets opportunity on a global scale. The world will undoubtedly be watching as these young talents take their next steps in their footballing journeys, fueled by dreams that are now within reach.