The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has reaffirmed its commitment to establishing a dedicated football academy to identify, develop and nurture young football talents. This move follows the Sierra Leone U-15 National Team’s participation in the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in Baku, Azerbaijan. The SLFA made this announcement during a welcoming ceremony held at the SLFA Secretariat following the team’s return home.
SLFA Executive Committee Member and Chairman of the SLFA Youth Football Committee, Mohamed Sorie Jalloh, spoke on behalf of SLFA President Babadi Kamara. He emphasized the federation's commitment to creating an academy that would provide young players with opportunities to develop their abilities and prepare for higher levels of football. Jalloh encouraged the players to remain disciplined, focused and dedicated to their development.
SLFA General Secretary Mohamed Benson Bawoh highlighted the importance of grassroots football development. He described investment in young talents as essential to building a stronger senior national team, the Leone Stars. Bawoh disclosed that SLFA leadership closely monitored the team’s progress throughout the competition despite the time difference. He also called for the expansion of structured youth development categories.
The Head of Delegation and Chairman of the Southern Region Football Association, Joseph Benedict Mbogba, described the tournament as a significant learning experience for the young players. He praised the squad for its composure and commitment. Mbogba intends to formally recommend Sierra Leone’s continued participation in future editions of the tournament to accelerate youth football development.
SLFA Technical Director John Edward Keister congratulated the team, commending the technical staff and delegation leadership for their dedication to maintaining players’ welfare throughout the competition. Head Coach José Solomon Cortés thanked President Kamara and the SLFA Executive Committee for providing the squad with an international platform to showcase its talent.
Cortés urged the federation to maintain the core group of players, noting that continuity and consistent support would be essential to maximising their potential and building a competitive national team for the future. The welcoming ceremony was attended by Deputy General Secretary Ishmail Saidu Kanu, Women’s Football Manager Elizabeth Alberta Kailay and Safeguarding Manager Aiah Alusine Kabba.
The federation’s commitment to establishing a football academy is expected to strengthen grassroots development efforts and create a pathway for young Sierra Leonean players to progress into the senior national team. This move is a significant step towards developing football in Sierra Leone, and the SLFA is expected to provide further updates on the academy's establishment in the coming months.
Key points
- SLFA to establish a football academy to develop young talents
- The academy aims to provide opportunities for young players to develop their abilities
- The move follows the Sierra Leone U-15 National Team’s participation in the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival
