Tom Venom is the founder of Right to Dream Academy
The founder of Right to Dream Academy, Tom Vernon, has revealed that some global football clubs ceased investing in Ghanaian academies due to the government’s lack of a proper framework to support and retain investors.
He explained that clubs like Ajax Amsterdam, Feyenoord, and Red Bull withdrew their investments in Ghanaian academies after realizing they were not reaping the expected benefits.
The former Manchester United scout noted that these three clubs collectively invested approximately 100 million euros before their withdrawal.
Speaking at the JoySports National Dialogue on March 13, 2025, Vernon urged the government to establish a conducive system to retain investors in the sports sector.
“We haven’t struggled to attract investment; we’ve struggled to retain it. Ajax, Feyenoord, and Red Bull collectively invested around 100 million euros into their academies in Ghana, and they’ve all left. One of the reasons they left is that there was no coherent national framework for them to integrate into.
“So, they came and operated independently, with very little advice, guidance, or support. As a result, we’ve lost them. They could have been significant contributors to the national agenda,” he said.
Right to Dream Academy remains one of the top academies in the country, producing players such as Osman Ibrahim, Ibrahim Sadiq (who plays for FC Nordsjaelland), Black Stars forward Majeed Waris, and other renowned footballers.
Watch Venom’s comments in the video below:
JoySports National Dialogue 2025:
Ghana has faced challenges in retaining investors in the sports sector, with clubs like Ajax and Feyenoord withdrawing their investments as a result – Tom Vernon #JoySports pic.twitter.com/teocWA3OFA
— #JoySports (@JoySportsGH) March 14, 2025
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