Star Sport Academy was founded in 2022 by Ing. Yankuba Jusu Tarawally, who serves as the Chairman. The Academy’s primary objective is to leverage sport as a medium to work with vulnerable children and young people in deprived communities across Sierra Leone. By using football as a pathway, the Academy aims to create sustainable livelihood opportunities that empower youth and adults (both male and female) to develop relevant skills, including technical, vocational, and tertiary education, which will lead to decent jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities.

The elite football program at Star Sports Academy focuses on identifying, developing, and promoting young, gifted, and talented football players, helping them to achieve their potential as professional athletes. Through a holistic approach that combines advanced football training, education, and personal development, the Academy provides the necessary resources, such as accommodation, transportation, advanced training facilities, and participation in local and international tournaments. This enables young players to excel in their careers and succeed not just as athletes but as well-rounded individuals ready to thrive in any part of the world. 

Recognising that not every participant in the Elite Program will transition into professional football, the Academy prioritises education and vocational training. Football serves as a tool to motivate young people to focus on educational programs, ensuring they gain the technical skills necessary to succeed in various career paths, whether in football or beyond.

In addition, Star Sports Academy acknowledges that its elite football program is specifically designed for a select group of gifted young athletes. To expand its reach and impact, the Academy has established a Community Umbrella that works closely with schools and communities to support boys and girls through various developmental programs.

These programs aim to ensure participants:

    • • Stay healthy

    • • Stay safe

    • • Learn, enjoy, and achieve

    • • Make a positive contribution

    • • Achieve economic well-being

The Academy’s overarching aim is to collaborate with organisations that highlight the importance of increasing youth and sports participation, particularly among those who might lack access to or interest in sports and physical education. This approach seeks to cater to the diverse needs of young people by offering tailored programs that not only improve their football potential but also address broader issues affecting their lives. This includes workshops and initiatives on topics such as fitness, intensive exercise, alcohol and drugs awareness, culture, and anti-tribalism, as well as informal education in the field of sports. By creating a safe and enjoyable environment, the Academy fosters a sense of belonging and confidence among young people, empowering them to believe that sports can be for everyone.

Through its initiatives, Star Sport Academy contributes to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, decent work and economic growth, sustainable cities and communities, and peace, justice, and strong institutions. The Academy views sport as a vital tool in helping realise these global goals, promoting social inclusion, health, and development. 

Additionally, the Academy has partnered with foreign football clubs and intermediaries, enabling young participants in the Elite Program to showcase their talents and the Academy’s standards on an international stage. These partnerships offer players opportunities to participate in professional trials, with senior management and mentors monitoring their progress and working closely with professional clubs to ensure that they continue to develop and succeed.

Through its dedicated focus on both elite football development and broad community engagement, Star Sports Academy stands at the forefront of empowering young people, using sports as a vehicle for social change, personal growth, and professional success. The Academy has different categories of athletes ranging from U-12, U-15, U-17 and the elite athletes who are currently competing in the Sierra Leone Premier League.

Successful Journey of Star Sport Academy

Since its inception in 2022, Star Sport Academy (SSA) has made remarkable strides in achieving its mission and contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In just a year, the Academy’s rapid progress has transformed it into a rising force in youth sports development and football talent promotion across West Africa. One of the Academy’s landmark achievements came in October 2023, when SSA, in partnership with Antalyaspor, a top-division club in Turkey, hosted the inaugural West African Talent Detection Tournament.

This historic event attracted significant attention from football stakeholders across the continent and beyond. Eight elite teams from Liberia, Guinea, Mali, Senegal, and Ghana participated, with over 21 football agents from Europe, the Americas, and Asia in attendance. The success of the tournament has propelled SSA into the spotlight, with its reputation spreading like the Harmattan wind that sweeps across the Sahara Desert.

As a direct result of this extraordinary achievement, teams from Europe extended invitations to SSA to participate in further international tournaments. Just three months after the West African tournament, SSA proudly represented Sierra Leone in the prestigious Antalyaspor Junior World Tournament, competing against teams from South America and Europe.

The Academy’s players showcased their immense potential, finishing the tournament undefeated with an impressive combined score line of 15 to 4. SSA’s success on the field has been equally reflected in domestic football. Following a triumphant campaign in the Western Area Division One League, the team secured promotion to the Sierra Leone Premier League.

This promotion marks a significant milestone in the Academy’s growth and strengthens its ability to positively impact the lives of its targeted beneficiaries, particularly vulnerable youth and children from deprived communities.

In addition to its competitive accomplishments, SSA has forged strong partnerships within the West African region. Notable collaborations have been established with prominent clubs such as the Cenn Foundation in Nigeria, GFI in Guinea, and African New Star Sports Academy-ANSSA in Liberia.

These partnerships aim to promote and market young football talents across Europe and Africa, further expanding opportunities for SSA players to showcase their skills on a global platform. Through these achievements, Star Sports Academy continues to position itself as a key player in youth football development, both locally and internationally. With its ongoing success and international exposure, the Academy is poised to continue making a lasting impact on the lives of young people, empowering them to reach their full potential both on and off the football pitch.

Future Plan for Star Sport Academy

(SSA) It is deeply rooted in the vision of elevating Sierra Leone football to a globally competitive level. Our primary goal is to create a sustainable football ecosystem that nurtures talent, fosters long-term development, and promotes Sierra Leone as a hub for elite footballers on the global stage. To achieve this, our strategic plan focuses on the following key areas:

  •  Development of World-Class Training Infrastructure

SSA is committed to enhancing its football infrastructure by building state-of-the- art training facilities, including advanced gyms, football pitches, and accommodation for athletes. We believe that providing a world-class environment is essential for the growth of our young athletes. This infrastructure will serve as the backbone for both the elite football program and community development initiatives, ensuring that all players, regardless of their background, have access to the highest standards of training and support.

  • International Partnerships and Exposure

Building on our successful partnerships with clubs like Antalyaspor in Turkey and other teams in Europe and Africa, SSA will continue to expand its international network. By forging new alliances with professional football clubs, academies, and football agents, we will ensure that our young athletes receive greater opportunities to participate in international tournaments and trials. This exposure is critical for our players to gain the experience and recognition necessary to excel at the global level.

    • Focus on Holistic Athlete Development

At SSA, we understand that football is not just about skill but also about personal growth. We will continue to prioritise education and vocational training alongside football development to ensure that our players are well-rounded individuals. By emphasising character building, leadership training, and academic excellence, we aim to develop individuals who can thrive both on and off the pitch, securing their futures regardless of their professional football outcomes.

    • Youth Talent Pipeline for Sierra Leone

SSA’s plan includes developing a nationwide talent identification system to uncover the best football talent across Sierra Leone. By conducting grassroots programs in rural areas and underserved communities, we will continue to expand our reach and include a more diverse range of young players in our academy.

This initiative will strengthen our ability to contribute to the national team and improve the overall quality of football in the country.

    • Promotion of Women’s Football

SSA is committed to advancing women’s football in Sierra Leone. Our plan includes the establishment of a women’s football division, ensuring that young girls and women have equal access to training, competitions, and career opportunities in football.

We believe that promoting gender equality in sports is critical to achieving broader societal goals and enhancing the inclusivity of the football community. 8 Sustainability and Social Impact SSA aims to become a leader in socially responsible sports development. Through our programs, we will continue to address issues such as youth unemployment, education, and social inclusion.

By leveraging football as a platform for change, we intend to use sports as a tool for promoting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as good health and well-being, gender equality, and decent work and economic growth. 9 Building a Competitive Professional Team With our recent promotion to the Sierra Leone Premier League, SSA’s plan includes establishing a strong, competitive team that not only succeeds domestically but also qualifies for international club competitions. We are committed to scouting, developing, and retaining top talent to ensure that our team can compete with the best clubs in Africa and beyond. Our ultimate goal is to represent Sierra Leone at prestigious tournaments, including the CAF Champions League and other global events.

In conclusion, Star Sport Academy envisions a future where Sierra Leonean football is recognised globally for its talent, innovation, and impact. Through dedication, strategic partnerships, and investment in youth development, SSA is committed to transforming the football landscape in Sierra Leone and beyond, ensuring that our country has a sustainable presence on the world football stage.