The Liberia Football Association (LFA), under the leadership of President Mustapha I. Raji, is facing mounting calls to prioritize the development of grassroots football, a vital cornerstone of the nation’s sporting identity.
In a passionate statement issued recently, a grassroot football stakeholder Bernard S. Williams has criticized the LFA for failing to adequately invest in grassroots initiatives, which he describes as the “lifeblood of Liberia’s football future.”
Despite Liberia’s deep passion for the game, grassroots football has languished under conditions that hinder talent development and community engagement. Williams pointed out that while resources and attention are often focused on the upper echelons of football, the foundation which lies in the youth leagues, local clubs, and training academies remains severely neglected.
“For years, we have watched grassroots football struggled to survive,” Williams said. “The local clubs and youth programs, which serve as the first stepping stones for our aspiring players, are often left to operate without adequate resources, proper facilities, or meaningful support from the LFA. This neglect has created a void that stifles talent and jeopardizes the future of the sport in our country.”
In his call to action, Williams outlined a comprehensive set of recommendations for the LFA to address these challenges and breathe new life into grassroots football.
Williams urged the LFA to allocate a larger portion of its budget to grassroots initiatives. This would ensure that local clubs have the necessary equipment, financial support, and logistical backing to thrive. “The league should also have sufficient funding to host sub-committee championships and organize player awards ceremonies that motivate young athletes,” he added.
He said, the lack of trained personnel at the grassroots level is another area of concern, recommending free training programs for coaches and volunteers to enhance their skills and ensure young players receive quality guidance.
The grassroot stakeholder also highlighted the need for the LFA to forge partnerships with businesses and organizations to increase participation and accessibility. He argued that sponsorships could provide a much-needed financial boost to grassroots programs, making the sport more inclusive for underprivileged communities.
In terms of infrastructure, Williams called for urgent investment in the development and maintenance of pitches, training facilities, and community sports centers. “Without proper facilities, our young players are left to train in unsuitable environments, which limits their potential and increases the risk of injury,” he said.
He suggested the establishment of a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track the progress of grassroots initiatives. This, in his wisdom would ensure transparency in resource allocation and provide measurable results to build trust among stakeholders.
Despite many boosts over the years by the current LFA boss that financial burden on grassroot club has been covered by the football house, Williams proposed a reduction in the fees associated with player registration, playing cards, and penalties.
“For many local clubs, these expenses are prohibitive and limit their ability to fully participate in the league,” he noted. He specifically recommended lowering playing card fees from $3.50 to $1.50 and reducing costs for red and yellow cards.
Williams also launched an advocacy for the inclusion of third-division clubs in the LFA’s Executive Committee. He argued that giving grassroots representatives a voice at the decision-making level would ensure their needs are prioritized.
He warned that continued neglect of grassroots football could have long-term consequences for the sport in Liberia. “Failing to invest in grassroots football does not only rob us of future stars but also erodes community engagement and the local passion for the game,” he said.
He emphasized that grassroots football is not just about developing talent for the national team but also about building stronger, more united communities.
Despite his criticisms, Williams expressed optimism about the potential for change under President Raji’s leadership. He believes that with collective commitment and strategic action, Liberia can create a thriving grassroots football ecosystem that serves as a pipeline for future national team successes.