Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has called on corporate Ghana to support the creation of a Democracy Soccer School of Excellence to help nurture young football talent.

He made the appeal at a ceremony at Parliament’s D.F. Annan Auditorium on Wednesday, where over 30 sponsors and partners of the second edition of the Democracy Cup were honoured.

The event attracted Members of Parliament, Ministers, CEOs, the media, and football fans.

Former players, including some who featured for the Parliament and Judiciary XIs in the curtain-raiser, were also present.

Sponsors and partners received citations from the Speaker of Parliament in appreciation of their support for the second edition of the Democracy Cup.

In his remarks, Speaker Alban Bagbin urged sponsors and partners to support the establishment of a Democracy Soccer School of Excellence.

“In the long-term vision, we invite our partners and supporters to consider the proposal to support a private sector-led initiative to establish a Democracy Soccer School of Excellence.

“That is aimed at nurturing young talent, instilling discipline in them, and developing leadership skills that will benefit both sports and democracy in our nation.

“Most of the talents who were nurtured into the heroes and heroines we have here were shaped by discipline, discipline.”

He further revealed that other parliamentary speakers across Africa have expressed interest in adopting the Democracy Cup initiative in their respective countries.

“Ladies and gentlemen, while we celebrate the achievement of this year's edition, I hasten to reiterate the fact that the Democracy Cup project is not merely about the football match itself.

“It is a comprehensive national program with a long-term vision. In fact, when I revealed this vision to my colleagues, Speakers of Parliament in Africa, they were so thrilled that they want us to extend it to the continental level.”

Henry Asante Twum, who moderated the event, announced that next year’s winner will face English Premier League side Sunderland in a special international fixture.

Hearts of Oak beat Great Olympics 1-0 at the University of Ghana Stadium in September to win the second edition of the Democracy Cup, following their loss to Asante Kotoko in last year’s edition.

Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has urged corporate Ghana to support the establishment of a Democracy Soccer School of Excellence to nurture young football talent.@_benin_ attended the Democracy Cup Sponsors and Partners Appreciation Event and reports.#JoySports pic.twitter.com/LED4CHemKV

— #JoySports (@JoySportsGH) November 6, 2025