Freetown, Sierra Leone | 10 July 2026 | Sport Academy Football Club has taken another significant step towards advancing grassroots football by holding a high-level strategic meeting with the leadership of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) to discuss areas of collaboration in youth football development, child safeguarding, coach education and technical support.

The Star Sport Academy delegation was led by the Academy’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mohamed Jusu Esq., and included Mr Victor Lewis, Chairman of Youth Football; Mr Ahmadu Tamba Lebbie, Director of Administration and Marketing; Mr Alimamy Kuraish Conteh, Director of Recruitment; and Mr John Bockarie Smith, Director of Human Resources and Planning.

The SLFA delegation was headed by the General Secretary, Mr. Mohamed Benson Bawoh, alongside the Deputy General Secretary, Mr. Ishmail Saidu Kanu; Technical Director, Mr. John Keister; Safety Manager, Mr Alusine Kamara; and Competitions Officer, Mr. Sahr Komba.

During the engagement, Star Sport Academy presented its long-term vision of developing young footballers through a holistic approach that combines football excellence with education, discipline, leadership and character development.

The Academy also outlined plans for its upcoming Holiday Football Programme and formally requested the SLFA’s technical support to ensure the programme is delivered in line with best practices.

In addition, the Academy appealed to the Association to facilitate child safeguarding training for its coaches, technical staff, volunteers and administrators as part of its commitment to creating a safe and protective environment for children participating in football.

Speaking during the meeting, Mohamed Jusu Tarawally Esq., Chief Executive Officer of Star Sport Academy, stated that: ”Our vision extends beyond producing talented footballers. We are committed to nurturing responsible young people through quality coaching, education, discipline, and strong safeguarding practices. We believe collaboration with the Sierra Leone Football Association is essential to achieving this vision and raising the standard of grassroots football in our country.”

The Academy’s Director of Administration and Marketing, Mr. Ahmadu Tamba Lebbie, emphasized that child welfare remains central to the Academy’s philosophy. ”Football development must go hand in hand with child protection. By investing in safeguarding education and technical capacity, we are building an environment where every child can learn, develop and thrive safely while pursuing their football dreams.”

The discussions also explored opportunities for collaboration in coach education, talent identification, youth competitions, technical development and institutional capacity building. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening youth football structures and fostering closer cooperation to support the sustainable growth of football in Sierra Leone.

The meeting ended on a positive note, with both parties committed to a productive partnership that will develop the next generation of Sierra Leonean footballers and uphold the highest standards of player welfare and child safeguarding.

Media and Communications Department