SLFA Launches Sierra Leone’s First-Ever Women’s Football Strategy
Aaron Parker Sierra Leone has made a significant step in the development of women’s football following the launch of the country’s first-ever Women’s Football Strategy by the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), establishing a four-year framework to guide the growth of the women’s game.
The strategy was officially launched on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, by SLFA President Babadi Kamara at the Freetown City Council Hall, bringing together football administrators, National Sports Authority officials and FIFA representatives to mark the occasion.
The new strategy is designed to provide a comprehensive framework for advancing women’s football across Sierra Leone, from grassroots participation to the international stage. It aligns with the SLFA’s mission to develop and promote football while strengthening structures and expanding opportunities for women and girls.
Speaking at the launch, Kamara described the introduction of the strategy as more than a milestone, saying it represented a commitment to the future of women’s football in the country.
He emphasised the importance of ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to play football, develop her talent and aspire to reach the highest level of the game.
Kamara also highlighted the responsibility of the SLFA to work with partners and stakeholders to translate the strategy into tangible results, stressing that its success would depend on collective efforts to advance the women’s game.
The launch was attended by SLFA Second Vice President Prince Saquee, National Sports Authority Executive Director Mohamed Alphaka Conteh Esq., SLFA General Secretary Ing. Mohamed Benson Bawoh and Women’s Football Manager Elizabeth Kailey.
FIFA representatives Thubaelihle Bridgette Sibanda from Zimbabwe and Tsholofelo Candy Setlhoko from Botswana were also present at the event.
Following the launch, the SLFA, with support from FIFA, commenced a three-day capacity-building workshop for women’s football administrators, scheduled for October 28–30, 2026.
The workshop aims to strengthen administrators’ skills and knowledge to support the effective implementation of the strategy and establish a stronger, more inclusive and sustainable future for women’s football in Sierra Leone.
The introduction of the strategy marks a new chapter in the SLFA’s efforts to develop women’s football. Its long-term significance will depend on how effectively the framework is implemented and the extent to which it creates meaningful opportunities for female players and strengthens the structures supporting the game across the country.
