SLFA President Launches FIFA Football for Schools Program
By Mahamood Fofana
The President of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), Babadi Kamara, on Saturday, 15th November 2025, officially launched the FIFA Football for Schools (F4S) program, marking a major milestone in the country’s grassroots football development. The initiative comes with a total of 10,820 FIFA-approved footballs, which will be distributed to schools across Sierra Leone as part of a broader effort to strengthen youth engagement through sports and education.
Under the national rollout plan, 25 schools in each of the 16 districts will participate in the program. Each selected school is expected to receive 20 footballs, ensuring wide access and equitable benefit nationwide. According to Kamara, this distribution model reflects FIFA’s goal of integrating football into educational systems and aligns with his own long-term vision for rebuilding the country’s football foundation.
The SLFA President emphasised that the launch of the F4S program goes beyond the distribution of equipment—it represents a strategic step toward reviving Sierra Leone’s dormant schools league, which was once a crucial pipeline for identifying and nurturing young talent. Kamara stressed that his executive committee is committed to establishing a structured and functional nationwide schools league system, noting that the future of the national team depends on strong grassroots structures.
He also highlighted that the initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE), reinforcing the link between academic institutions and sporting development. This partnership aims to use football as a tool to empower young people, promote discipline, encourage teamwork, and foster educational advancement alongside athletic growth.
“This program opens the door to restoring our school league,” Kamara said during the launch ceremony. “A strong national team is built on a strong ecosystem, and that ecosystem begins in our schools. With proper structures in place, we can identify, support, and develop talent from an early age.”
The FIFA Football for Schools program is expected to benefit thousands of pupils across the country, allowing them to participate in organised sports while enhancing their physical and social development. As Sierra Leone continues to invest in youth empowerment through sport, the launch serves as a significant step in redefining the role of football within the nation’s education system.
