By Gareyson Y. Neufville
The Liberia Football Association (LFA) Maryland County Chapter has officially launched the 2025 School Grassroots Football Tournament, urging coaches and school administrators to ensure that all participating players meet the required age criteria.
The launch took place simultaneously on Thursday, December 11, at two sporting venues — the Tubman University Field in Harper and the Cavalla Rubber Corporation (CRC) Sports Pitch near Pleebo City.
In Pleebo, LFA Pleebo Sub-Committee Chairman Ralking Phillips, along with Regional Chairman Franklin B. Nah, welcomed a delegation of LFA executives from Monrovia to kick off activities at the CRC Sports Pitch.
Speaking to the schools, Mr. Alvin G. Brown, LFA Executive Committee Member and Chairman for Youth Development, praised administrators for their cooperation and reaffirmed the LFA’s commitment to strengthening grassroots football nationwide.
He stressed that, given the absence of formal football academies in Liberia, nurturing young talents at the grassroots level is crucial for building a stronger national team.
During the ceremony, each school received jerseys, footballs, and boots to help support their ongoing training.
Brown added that the delegation is open to returning to Maryland County in the future, depending on the progress of local football development.
Representing the participating institutions, Mr. Isaac B. N. Martin, Director of Sports at J.S. Pratt United Methodist School, applauded the LFA for the initiative.
While acknowledging the materials provided, he emphasized that the technical guidance and encouragement from the LFA are the most valuable contributions.
“These materials can be destroyed,” Martin said. “But the courage, knowledge, and technical support the LFA is offering to spark these talents is what truly matters. This must be a continuous process.”
The 2025 School Grassroots Football Tournament aims to boost youth participation in sports, promote discipline, and uncover new football talents across Maryland County.
