During the launch of the FIFA Football for Schools (F4S) program in Makeni, Minister of Sports Madam Augusta James-Teima explained that football is taking the lead in enhancing the Government’s Five Game Changers, including feeding Sierra Leone, human capital development, and youth employment.
The SLFA (Sierra Leone Football Association) has initiated the FIFA Football for School Program. As a part of the program, they have trained 50 Physical Education Teachers.
This program aims to make football more accessible to boys and girls across Sierra Leone by including football activities in the country’s school system. The Minister cited the Sierra Leone Football artificial turf projects as a success.
The Minister mentioned that the government is eager to increase the availability of facilities, particularly job opportunities for young individuals. The experts involved in the program will teach at schools and provide additional training to children during after-school hours.
She firmly believes that the ongoing projects will positively impact Sierra Leone and its people. She thinks that children who participate in football at a tender age will develop physically, mentally, emotionally, economically, and socially. Therefore, it is vital to prioritize football at the school level, where players can be introduced to the sport at a very young age and be inspired to become lifelong players. This will enable them to gain a comprehensive understanding of football and ensure the sustainability of the sport itself.
“The government is committed to the growth of sports and is working on putting modalities in place to enhance football participation in the country. Madam James-Teima believes that sport is life and, if done correctly, can make Sierra Leone a developed nation.”
She ended her speech by promising to continue working with the Minister of Basic Education to train children for the future. The government will ensure that what is given for sport in schools is used for sport exclusively.
