Black Stars winger Joseph Paintsil has officially stepped into football management, fulfilling a long-held ambition by founding the JP Football Club, an academy and club competing in Ghana's GARFA Zone 4 Division 2 League.
The academy currently nurtures nearly 50 young players, aged 16 to 18, with a mission to provide pathways often denied to talented but overlooked youth.
“It’s something that I’ve always wanted to do,” Paintsil explained, framing the venture as both a personal anchor and a means of giving back. “Whenever I also get a place, I can also be a little bit stable, so I can also do something for the young ones that never had the opportunity.”
His own challenging rise through the ranks deeply informs this project. “When I was growing up, there was a lot of ups and downs and disappointments... So me having that kind of breakthrough now in my football career, I just need to also open the windows for them to also play,” he shared.
Paintsil's focus is on identifying and developing truly dedicated prospects. “It’s something that I’ve always dreamt… to just help the ones that really want to be a pro and want to also reach the same level that I’ve been.”
While he provides support—from daily meals to professional guidance through his agent—he emphasizes that the players' own spirit is crucial. “But it all depends on them also with their determination, with their good spirit, with the fighting spirit… I’m just here to be with them, help them. If one goes, then the doors for the others will also open.”
Balancing his thriving European club career with running the academy is a demanding labor of love. “It’s tough, but I just need to do everything that I have to do… I just need to still invest in them and just see what the future brings,” he stated.
Ultimately, Paintsil views his role as a steward of dreams, combining practical support with faith. “As I live and I’m always alive, I will always support them… And then we just leave the rest to God because He is the one that knows the direction that we have to pass.”
Through JP Football Club, Joseph Paintsil is building more than a team—he’s crafting a legacy of opportunity, resilience, and hope for Ghana’s football future.
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