By: Mohamed Abu Conteh
President of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), Babadi Kamara, has officially launched the nationwide distribution of 8,420 footballs to schools across the country, beginning with the Western Area where 808 balls were handed over to 55 schools during a ceremony attended by pupils, educational authorities and football stakeholders.
The project, championed by SLFA, is part of a renewed effort to revive school leagues and identify young football talent across Sierra Leone.
Upon assuming office, President Babadi Kamara engaged the Ministry of Sports to better understand and push forward the Football for Schools project. He also held discussions with the FIFA President to map out the future of the programme. A technical committee was subsequently established to guide implementation.
Speaking during the ceremony, Abu Bakarr Conteh, Director of Education, Programmes and Services in the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, expressed appreciation to the SLFA.
“When you talk about the distribution of balls, the Ministry of Education is the largest beneficiary. I want to thank the SLFA President and his Executive for this gesture. Let me admonish the schools to use these balls for the right purpose.”
In his declaration address, SLFA President Babadi Kamara described it as a “great delight” to stand before pupils, recalling his own school days as a prefect conducting morning assemblies.
He noted that both the CAF and FIFA Presidents had been informed of the distribution and had sent warm greetings to the schoolchildren, expressing hope that Africa’s next great football talent may emerge from Sierra Leone.
The SLFA President stressed the role of schools in building strong national teams: “To get good national male and female teams, you must get them from schools. We want to balance education with football. Playing football doesn’t mean you should neglect your studies; look at George Weah of Liberia.”
He added that the balls had been in FA storage for two years but would now be distributed nationwide to support talent spotting.
President Babadi Kamara further mentioned that the Sports Arena Project, which will provide artificial turf and perimeter fencing for selected schools, similar to facilities already implemented in Liberia and Morocco, will soon commence in Sierra Leone.
He officially declared the Football for Schools Programme open.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Abu Bakarr S. Barrie of Collegiate Secondary School extended appreciation to the SLFA leadership: “We extend heartfelt gratitude to the SLFA President for distributing these balls to our schools,” he said, urging his peers to stay away from drugs and embrace football.
Some of the beneficiaries include the Albert Academy School, Collegiate Secondary School, Wilberforce Municipal Junior Secondary School, Vine Memorial School, King Fahad Islamic Secondary School, Peninsula Secondary School and Sierra Leone Muslim Brotherhood. The distribution will continue across all regions as the SLFA strives to build a strong foundation for grassroots football development in Sierra Leone.
