SLFA Launches Nationwide Distribution of 8,420 Footballs to Schools
The President of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), Babadi Kamara, has officially launched nationwide distribution of 8,420 footballs to schools across the country.
The distribution began at Western Area, where 808 balls were handed over to 55 schools during a ceremony attended by pupils, educational authorities, and football stakeholders.
During the distribution, President Babadi Kamara engaged the Ministry of Sports to understand better and push forward the Football for Schools project. He also met with the FIFA President to map out the programme’s future. A technical committee was subsequently established to guide implementation.
President Babadi Kamara described the moment 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.
Furthermore, 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.”
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.
Finally, the distribution will continue across all regions as the SLFA strives to build a strong foundation for grassroots football development in Sierra Leone. the project, championed by SLFA, is part of a renewed effort to revive school leagues and identify young football talent across Sierra Leone.
In his conclusion, President Babadi Kamara officially declared the Football for Schools Programme open.