The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), in partnership with the FIFA, has commenced a three-day stakeholder engagement session aimed at presenting and discussing the country report on the FIFA Amateur Football Environment Analysis.
The engagement, which began on Monday, June 1, 2026, at the SLFA Secretariat in Freetown, forms part of FIFA’s global initiative to assess, strengthen, and support amateur and grassroots football structures across member associations.
The FIFA Amateur Football Environment Analysis is a comprehensive assessment programme designed to map the current state of non-elite football and identify opportunities for growth and development. The initiative focuses on several key areas, including management and resources, competitions, clubs, education, futsal, beach soccer, mini-football, football development programmes, and football in schools. Its overall objective is to increase participation and expand access to the game at all levels.
Representing FIFA at the engagement are Regional Technical Consultant Ali Mwebe and Serme Ezekiel Letsoaka, who are leading discussions and interactive sessions with football stakeholders throughout the three-day programme.
On the opening day, the FIFA delegation held consultations with SLFA General Secretary Mohamed Benson Bawoh, Deputy General Secretary Ishmail Saidu Kanu Esq., Technical Director John Edward Keister, and heads of departments at the Secretariat. Discussions centred on establishing key priorities and outlining the framework that will guide the stakeholder engagement process.
The second day of the programme, scheduled for June 2, will focus on the presentation of the report’s findings to members of the SLFA Executive Committee and Secretariat staff. The final day, June 3, will broaden participation to include a wide range of stakeholders involved in grassroots and amateur football development across the country.
Expected participants include representatives from the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary School Education, football clubs and academies, schools, universities, private sector organisations, and regional football associations.
The engagement underscores the shared commitment of FIFA and the SLFA to strengthening grassroots and amateur football structures in Sierra Leone. Through the initiative, both organisations aim to promote sustainable football development, enhance participation opportunities, and create a stronger foundation for the growth of the sport nationwide.
