Philanthropic Ghanaian youngster, Edward Opoku of Columbus Crew fame has given back to the community through his annual mini tournament hosted in Konongo-Odomase in the Ashanti Region.
The Ghanaian forward was in the country for the Christmas festivities and took the opportunity to put smiles on the faces of young footballers.
Opoku through his #BeHappy brand and Columbus Crew organised a mini tournament for players below the ages of ten [10] with the best players awarded with football kits and boots
The 22 year old, a native of Konongo- Odumase expressed joy in being able to host the young players during his holidays and Ghana.
“Lots of people came to watch and the joy in everyone’s faces was just amazing. I was quite stunned myself. But through my brand BeHappy, Columbus crew, my host family, friends and teammates we were able to touch so many lives and brought a great piece of happiness to many and I say thank you to them!!,” said the youngster.
The winger, who was nominated for the Rookie of the Year at Columbus Crew said his dream is to help young footballers benefit from the opportunity he enjoys.
“Since I moved to the US every year I do an annual giving back tournament to my community and the nearest town around. We invite about 6 teams at the age of 10 and play a knockout games where a man of the match gets chosen from every game from each team. We then give an award too,” he said.
“I take a full responsibility for it transportation, food and everything to make sure they are okay and that they come and go happily. Now since I have an access to agency than before, I’m willing to push and see if I can help out some of the other kids who are in a similar scenes like I once was. That is the ultimate end goal and hopefully one day to be able place field for them because I know the environment where they play does not quite favor them.”