By Usman Fambuleh

Freetown, Feb. 19, 2026 – The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has announced a full waiver of coaching licence fees for all female coaches nationwide, marking a major step toward gender equality and the development of women’s football.

The decision, approved by the SLFA Executive Committee and announced Thursday by President Babadi Kamara, takes immediate effect and will remain in place for the current Committee’s mandate.

Under the new policy, women enrolling in coaching programmes from Licence D to Licence A will no longer pay course fees, allowing them to pursue professional coaching qualifications at no cost.

“The growth of women’s football requires investment not only in players but also in technical leadership,” said President Kamara. “Expanding opportunities for female coaches is critical to building a stronger, more sustainable game.”

The SLFA said the initiative removes financial barriers that have historically limited women’s participation in technical football education. By increasing the number of certified female coaches, the Association expects to improve grassroots development, raise technical standards, and strengthen football nationwide.

Stakeholders have welcomed the policy as a progressive step to boost female representation in coaching, particularly at community and youth levels. All eligible coaches are encouraged to register for upcoming courses through official SLFA channels.

The announcement, signed by Lamin Tarawalie, Acting Head of Media and Marketing, reflects the SLFA’s commitment to inclusivity, capacity building, and adherence to international governance standards in sport.