Freetown, Sierra Leone – In a bold move to foster gender equality in sports, the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has rolled out a new initiative waiving all coaching license fees for women across the country.
The policy, spearheaded by SLFA President Babadi Kamara and the Executive Committee, is designed to dramatically expand the ranks of female coaches in the nation’s beloved sport.
Effective immediately and lasting through the end of the current administration’s term, the waiver covers every level of coaching certification, from entry-level Licence D up to the advanced Licence A.
SLFA officials have already pinpointed the first five women to benefit from this program, signaling a swift start to what they hope will be a transformative effort.
At its core, the initiative targets longstanding financial hurdles that have sidelined many aspiring female coaches from gaining formal qualifications. By scrapping these costs, the association aims to open doors to technical leadership positions, empowering women to contribute more actively at grassroots, club, and national levels.
SLFA leaders emphasize that a surge in certified female coaches will not only fortify community-based football programs but also elevate overall training quality and drive the sport’s professional evolution in Sierra Leone. This step aligns with broader goals of inclusivity, skill enhancement, and alignment with international best practices in sports management.
In a statement, the association urged women nationwide to seize the opportunity: “We invite female coaches from every corner of the country to enroll in upcoming sessions via our official channels.”
Officials expressed optimism that this could accelerate female participation in coaching roles and inspire further reforms toward true gender balance in football.
