George Abisinu Kawa closely observes his players as they maneuver through a passing drill on a mid-November evening at Phil Johnson Ballfields in Everett.
It’s a chilly night but a typical day of practice for the Washington Rush U-10 Azul boys team. The players dressed for the weather and showed up to training, prepared to learn from a knowledgeable and experienced individual.
Last year, Kawa coached both the U-8 Nero and U-10 Azul boys teams, and this year he transitioned to the helm of the U-10 Cinza and U12 Azul squads. However, when it comes to the young age groups overall, Kawa’s objective is to integrate a coaching philosophy where his players are learning the concepts of hard work and team collaboration but also having fun and enjoying the process, due to the fact that those age groups are in the most critical stages of development.
“In life, everybody has a different philosophy or a different idea of how they want to play soccer,” Kawa said. “My dream is to coach and develop players holistically. So, if somebody is coming just to have fun, why not? I’m also there to help the person to have fun. And then if somebody is also coming with the intention of playing to the highest level, I think I’m also ready to help the person to develop.
“Grassroots, I believe, is the golden age of learning whereby at that age group, you impart them with the basic principles of soccer before they grow up,” he continued. “I chose Washington Rush because of their vision of developing talent holistically, not only about soccer but also generally how the player develops into the community.”
Kawa was born in Ho, a town in southeastern Ghana, located in western Africa. And, as the only child in his family to play soccer, he quickly found a love for the sport, beginning his journey at the National Sports College Soccer Academy in Winneba. Kawa also represented Ghana at the International Youth Soccer Tournament in Nigeria before later moving to Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, to play professionally with the Vovovo Soccer Club.
After his playing career, Kawa pursued coaching where he’s held several roles, including head coach of the boys and girls teams at Waterford Kamhlaba United World College of Southern Africa. He’s also obtained numerous coaching licenses such as Confederation of African Football coaching license C certificate from Eswatini, FIFA Women’s Soccer coaching certificate and FIFA Futsal coaching certificate. Kawa also operates a soccer foundation in Eswatini called “George Quality Soccer,” helping the next generation of players achieve their soccer endeavors. And, before bringing his coaching talents to the Washington Rush program, Kawa also received his bachelor’s degree in sports coaching from the University of Education in Winneba.
As the FIFA World Cup 2026™ kicks off this week, it will be Ghana’s fourth appearance in the tournament’s history. Ghana’s first World Cup appearance was in 2006, and the Black Star nation qualified again in 2010 and 2022. Ghana will compete in Group L, joining the table with England, Croatia and Panama, so in addition to coaching his youth teams, Kawa will get the opportunity to cheer for his country in the world’s largest soccer tournament.
Earlier this year, the Snohomish County Sports Commission talked with Kawa about his soccer background and passion for coaching, but we wanted to wait to post until we launched our Cleats, Cultures & Celebrations campaign that coincides with the World Cup. Watch the video below, or click here.