By Peter Kollie
The Liberia Football Association (LFA), through its Women’s Football Department, and Lofa Sub-Association, has officially launched the Coach Education Scholarship (CES) “D” Diploma Coaching Course for 20 female participants. The event was launched in Voinjama City, Lofa County on Tuesday, November 10, at the William V.S. Tubman Hall, and will run through November 20. The initiative aims to strengthen the coaching capacity of women and girls, promote female participation in football, and equip aspiring coaches with the technical knowledge, and practical skills needed to contribute to the development of sports.
At the opening ceremony, Lofa County Team Manager, Ruben J. Deranamie, appreciated the LFA, and Amos Fallah Kpalia, Chairman of the LFA Lofa Sub-Association, for providing the opportunity to empower female coaches through professional football education.
Voinjama District Youth Chair, represented by Matthew Kessellie, also thanked the LFA for investing in the capacity development of women and girls. Kessellie emphasized the importance of the initiative in creating opportunities for women to participate more actively in football, and develop their leadership skills within the sport. Meanwhile, Francis A. Tamba, provided participants with an overview of the Coach Education Scholarship program, encouraged them to take the training seriously, and make effective use of the opportunity. Tamba noted that the course could open doors for participants to advance their coaching careers, including opportunities to coach the Female National Team, and other players of the Lone Star national team. LFA Lofa Sub-Association Chairman Amos Fallah Kpalia, disclosed how the training will extend beyond the classroom, with participants expected to establish grassroots football teams in their respective schools.
Kpalia said, each of the 20 female coaches will return to her school, and organize a team of players between the ages of six and 12.
The initiative will bring together 400 girls from 20 schools with each school contributing 20 players. Participating teams will subsequently converge at the Voinjama Public School for a football festival designed to promote grassroots football, encourage young girls to participate in the sport, and provide an opportunity for the newly trained coaches to apply their knowledge and practical skills. Kpalia officially launched the course on behalf of LFA President, Mustapha I. Raji. He urged the participants to embrace the training, and use the knowledge gained to contribute meaningfully to football development in the county.
The initiative is to strengthen women’s participation in football, and expand opportunities for young girls to develop their talents through organized grassroots football activities.
