Roc Nation Launches Free Youth Soccer Tournament in Ghana

When Roc Nation Sports International signed several teenage African soccer players last year, they made a promise to do more than just scout talent. Now they're delivering with the Roc Cup, a landmark tournament that brings together the continent's brightest young athletes for a competition anyone can watch for free.

The inaugural event runs February 23-28, 2026 at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium in Accra. Ten youth teams from Ghana, Cameroon, Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire, and Guinea will compete in a round-robin format at the 10,000-capacity venue.

"The Roc Cup is more than just a tournament, it is a visible declaration of our commitment to African football," said Grant Veitch, Director of African Football Recruitment at Roc Nation Sports International. After establishing their presence in African soccer, the company founded by Jay-Z is now investing in infrastructure that helps young players get discovered.

The tournament welcomes Ghana's Benab FC, Zilina Africa, Fadama Field Masters, and Semper Fi alongside Nigeria's Tripple 44 FC and Sporting Lagos. Côte d'Ivoire sends Empire FC and Racing Club d'Abidjan, while Guinea's SOAR Academy and Cameroon's Kadji Sports Academy round out the field.

International and African scouts will attend to identify talent for European clubs. But the event goes beyond player development by keeping admission completely free for families, students, and aspiring young athletes throughout Accra.

The Ripple Effect

The tournament creates opportunities that extend far beyond the pitch. Local volunteers will gain experience running international sporting events, while small vendors and businesses around the stadium will see increased activity during the weeklong competition.

By bringing elite African academies to Ghana's capital, Roc Nation hopes to spark excitement about soccer at the grassroots level. Young players watching from the stands might see themselves on that field one day, competing for a chance at the global stage.

The long-term vision transforms the Roc Cup into an annual fixture on the African youth soccer calendar. What starts as a single tournament could become a sustainable pathway connecting talented young Africans with opportunities they might never have found otherwise.

Sometimes the best investments are the ones that give back while moving forward.