Freetown, Sierra Leone – November 2025 – The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has officially launched the nationwide distribution of 8,420 footballs to schools across the country, in a bid to revive school leagues and nurture young football talent.
The initiative was formally declared open by SLFA President Babadi Kamara during a ceremony in the Western Area, where 808 footballs were handed over to 55 schools. The event was attended by pupils, educational authorities, and football stakeholders.
Reviving School Football
Speaking at the launch, SLFA President Kamara described the programme as a “great delight,” recalling his own school days and emphasizing the importance of schools in building strong national teams. He noted that both CAF and FIFA Presidents had been informed of the distribution and had sent greetings to Sierra Leonean schoolchildren, expressing hope that Africa’s next football stars may emerge from the country.
“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,” Kamara said.
He revealed that the footballs had been in FA storage for two years but would now be distributed nationwide to support talent identification and grassroots development.
Ministry of Education Welcomes Initiative
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,” he said.
Sports Arena Project Announced
Kamara also announced the upcoming Sports Arena Project, which will provide artificial turf and perimeter fencing for selected schools, similar to facilities already implemented in Liberia and Morocco.
Gratitude from Beneficiaries
Delivering the vote of thanks, Abu Bakarr S. Barrie of Collegiate Secondary School extended appreciation to the SLFA leadership, urging his peers to stay away from drugs and embrace football.
Beneficiary schools include Albert Academy, Collegiate Secondary School, Wilberforce Municipal Junior Secondary School, Vine Memorial, King Fahad Islamic Secondary School, Peninsula Secondary School, and Sierra Leone Muslim Brotherhood.
Nationwide Rollout
The distribution will continue across all regions as SLFA strives to build a strong foundation for grassroots football development in Sierra Leone.