By Pa Alie Sesay (Wiki Leaks)
The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) today signed tripartite agreements for the implementation of the FIFA Arena Projects in selected schools across the country.
The signing ceremony, held at the SLFA Secretariat at Kingtom, brought together representatives of beneficiary schools, the project contractor, and the SLFA leadership.
The agreements pave the way for the construction of mini-pitches under the FIFA Arena initiative – a pilot project that will benefit schools and communities as part of FIFA’s global drive to develop football from the grassroots level through improved infrastructure.
Speaking at the ceremony, the SLFA President noted that the Association had earlier informed stakeholders during the commencement of the construction of the 435 community facilities that the FIFA Arena Project would target schools. He disclosed that Bo School and Albert Academy Secondary School, have been identified as pilot beneficiaries for the first phase.
He emphasized that the project is not a direct cash grant from FIFA, but rather a material support project where FIFA provides all construction materials and technical expertise, while beneficiary schools provide space and support for sustainability.
The contractor for the project, Mr. Alexia, who has successfully implemented similar projects in Liberia and Nigeria, showcased pictures of completed facilities in those countries. He assured that construction will commence immediately upon release of materials by FIFA.
The SLFA President further disclosed that FIFA requires signed agreements from all parties, including school authorities, confirming readiness to host and maintain the facilities, as a compliance procedure before materials are shipped.
“This is a very good project that FIFA is doing for kids in Africa. It creates the right atmosphere to discover talents at school level. If we succeed in this pilot phase, we will have the opportunity to extend it to many more schools and communities across the country,” he stated.
With today’s signing, the SLFA will forward all documents to FIFA for final approval and dispatch of materials.
