A seven-member executive body of the Western Regional branch of the Retired Footballers Association has been inaugurated at Takoradi at the weekend with a call on members to help unearth soccer talents among the youth in the region. Mr. Joseph Ben Emuna, a businessman who inaugurated the Association said modern soccer had not only become a lucrative business, but it has the potential of earning revenue for the country as well as uniting the people to enhance the socio-economic development of the country. He regretted that the Western Region used to be the largest contributor of players to the national team, the Black Stars but the trend was gradually loosing its position. He therefore stressed the need to promote accelerated development of soccer by encouraging the youth with the requisite talents to give off their best and rekindle the region's fame of producing quality players. Papa Owusu Ankomah, Member of Parliament for Sekondi said the formation of the association gives further hope for Ghana soccer and noted that retired footballers have a wealth of experience and talents which could be tapped for the benefit of the national and the various teams. He said the formation of the association was a demonstration of the preparedness of members to support the general effort at making the country one of the leading soccer nations of the world. Papa Ankomah urged the members not to feel abandoned but to expect further government recognition, adding that in spite of their age, they still have a lot to offer Ghana soccer and would be given their due respect. Reverend Kofi Pare, Chairman of the National Association of Retired Footballers said members laid firm foundation for the game through their patriotism and dedicated service to the country. Mr. Victor Koomson, representative of Ultimate Soccer Management, one of the sponsors of the function, suggested that a percentage of gate fees during football matches should be used to organise activities of the association and the welfare of pioneers of soccer since most of them have become destitute and lack attention. During role call, the retired footballers recalled their exploits in their hey days with found memories amid singing and hugging of one another. Among the past soccer heroes were Edward Acquah, Rev. Kofi Pare, Alex Nutsugah, J.K. Mensah, James Kuuku Dadzie, Agyeman Gyau, Reverend Osei Kofi and Joe De Graft. The Western Region branch of the association, which has a membership of 120, has Edward Acquah as Chairman, Alex Nutsugah, Vice-Chairman, J. K. Mensah, Secretary and Ben Hayford, Assistant Secretary. The rest are Kakraba Sey, Financial Secretary, George Brown, Assistant Financial Secretary and Victor Krakue, Organiser. Source: GNA