The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) in collaboration with FIFA, recently hosted a three-day capacity-building workshop for women's football administrators. The event brought together more than 30 participants from across the country, focusing on enhancing their skills and knowledge in football management. The workshop was designed to empower women in football administration, ensuring they are equipped to effectively manage and develop the sport in Sierra Leone.
On the second day of the workshop, FIFA facilitators Tsholofelo Candy Setlhoko from Botswana and Thubaelih Bridgette Sibanda from Zimbabwe led sessions on strategic planning, SWOT analysis, action planning, and the use of SMART goals and key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure progress. These sessions aimed to equip participants with practical skills in planning and implementing effective football programmes. The use of interactive and engaging methods ensured that participants gained a deeper understanding of the concepts.
Safeguarding was another critical area of focus during the workshop. Makallay Kamara, Safeguarding Officer, and Elizabeth Alberta Kailey, SLFA Women’s Football Manager, led a session emphasising the importance of protecting everyone involved in football. The goal is to create a safe and inclusive environment for all participants. Through practical scenarios and a quiz, participants engaged with the material, reinforcing their understanding of safeguarding principles and practices.
The workshop follows the launch of Sierra Leone’s first-ever Women’s Football Strategy, which took place on October 28, 2026, at the Empower Africa Business Centre in Freetown. This strategy is a significant milestone for women's football in Sierra Leone, providing a framework for development and growth. The workshop is a direct response to the needs identified in the strategy, aiming to build a strong foundation for women's football administration.
The final day of the workshop was scheduled to cover critical topics such as sustainable club management, project design and management, sponsorship, financial management, and community engagement. These sessions are designed to provide participants with comprehensive knowledge and skills necessary for effective football administration. Upon completion, participants are expected to receive certificates of participation, acknowledging their commitment to enhancing women's football in Sierra Leone.
The SLFA and FIFA collaboration underscores the commitment to developing women's football in Sierra Leone. By investing in the capacity of women’s football administrators, the SLFA and FIFA are laying the groundwork for sustainable growth and development in the sport. This initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the administration and management of women's football programmes across the country.
The impact of this workshop will be measured by the progress made in implementing the skills and knowledge gained. The SLFA and FIFA will likely monitor the development of women's football in Sierra Leone, ensuring that the objectives of the Women’s Football Strategy are met. The trained administrators are expected to play a crucial role in driving this progress, contributing to a more robust and well-managed women's football sector.
Key points
- The SLFA and FIFA trained over 30 women’s football administrators in Sierra Leone to enhance their skills and knowledge in football management.
