Africa-Press – Liberia. Monrovia- The Liberia Football Association (LFA), with support from FIFA’s Women’s Football Development Program, rolled out a major nationwide initiative on Friday, November 28, aimed at boosting girls’ participation in football.
The launch of the Women’s Football Campaign at Jacob’s Town Field brought together more than 300 enthusiastic young girls, signaling a powerful focus on the future of women’s football in Liberia.
The program targets girls aged six to 12, creating a safe, inclusive space for free play, fun activities, and early football discovery. It aligns with the LFA’s Women’s Football Strategy – LITTLE PHENOMS, which prioritizes strengthening grassroots and youth development across the country.
‘Women and Girls Deserve Equal Opportunities’
Speaking at the launch, Madam Jodie Reid Seton, LFA’s Third Vice President, emphasized the critical need to expand access to football for women and girls.
“Women and girls deserve equal opportunities,” Madam Reid -Seton declared, calling for increased national support and highlighting the importance of women’s active participation in major sporting events.
Her remarks were followed by dozens of young girls dribbling, passing, and celebrating across the Jacob’s Town pitch many experiencing their first structured football activity.
The event featured fun football games, mentorship sessions, and interactive engagements with current and former women’s national team players and coaches, leaving many of the girls inspired and eager for more.
Five Counties to Benefit
The nationwide rollout will take place across Montserrado, Bong, Margibi, Rivercess, and Sinoe Counties, giving thousands of girls the opportunity to discover football and develop early foundational skills.
Sekou Konneh, LFA First Vice President, who officially launched the festival, praised the initiative as a significant step toward strengthening grassroots participation.
He encouraged civil society groups, private organizations, and development partners to invest in creating more opportunities for girls to pursue their dreams through sport.
Gender Ministry Applauds Lfa’s Leadership
Meanwhile the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection released a statement praising the LFA for what it described as a “bold and empowering step” toward enhancing girls’ participation in sports.
Gender Minister Gbeme Horace-Kollie lauded the program’s focus on early talent development and its alignment with FIFA’s LITTLE PHENOMS strategy.
“This initiative marks a significant milestone in nurturing early talent, expanding opportunities for girls in sports, and strengthening the foundation for women’s football in Liberia,” the Minister said.
She commended LFA President Mustapha Raji and the Women’s Football Department for creating a safe, inclusive, and inspiring pathway for girls.
Beyond sports development, the Minister emphasized the program’s role in boosting confidence, teamwork, and personal growth among young players.
The Gender Ministry also urged the LFA to maintain strong social protection measures, stressing that the safety of young athletes on and off the pitch must remain a top priority.
The Ministry further encouraged players, administrators, coaches, and referees to fully utilize the 116 Toll-Free Hotlineto report any form of violence, harassment, or abuse in football settings.
“Your voices and your protection matter,” the statement added.
The Ministry also expressed interest in the LFA sharing relevant data on its women’s development programs and fully incorporating the Gender Ministry in all future initiatives.
Toward A New Era
With more than 300 girls participating on the opening day, the Women’s Football Campaign signals a renewed national effort to elevate women’s football and empower young talents across Liberia.
As the initiative expands across multiple counties, stakeholders hope it will drive long-term transformation creating a generation of confident, inspired female footballers ready to take their place in Liberia’s sporting future.
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