MONROVIA — Youth football in Liberia is experiencing renewed growth, with a series of projects supported by FIFA helping to expand playing facilities, grassroots competitions, and opportunities for young footballers across the country.
In a report published Thursday, September 17, FIFA highlighted several initiatives being implementes in Liberia through its partnership with the Liberia Football Association (LFA), including the construction of mini-pitches, upgrades to regional football stadiums, and support for school-based grassroots competitions.
One of the latest developments is the FIFA Arena project, a global initiative aimed at constructing 1,000 mini-football pitches by 2031 in underserved urban and rural communities.
The project reached Liberia in September 2025, with two mini-pitches installed at schools in Paynesville, part of the Greater Monrovia area.
According to FIFA, more than 3,000 children are expected to benefit from the facilities, which were delivered through collaboration between world football’s governing body and the LFA.
The investment has also extended beyond Montserrado County.
In northeastern Liberia, a standard-size, FIFA-approved artificial playing surface was installed at the Gompa Stadium in Nimba County through funding from the FIFA Forward Programme.
The project includes wider improvements to the facility, such as the installation of floodlights, an underground sprinkler system, upgraded perimeter fencing, and roofing for spectator stands.
The developments are intended to provide young players and local clubs with modern facilities for training and official competition.
School Football Gets Major Push
FIFA also pointed to the expansion of grassroots football through the LFA’s Grassroots Football School League.
Supported by FIFA in 2025, the program introduced football activities at various age levels within schools, aiming to integrate sports into the academic curriculum while contributing to the overall development of young learners.
The initiative provides a structured pathway for children to participate in organized football at an early age.
LFA President Mustapha Raji stated that the growth of grassroots competitions represents a historic development for Liberian football.
“For the first time, we have grassroots leagues in our country running from U-12, U-15, to U-17,” Raji said.
He also credited FIFA’s support for rapid developments in women’s football, noting that the investment has expanded opportunities for female athletes nationwide.
“For the first time, we’ve seen women’s football grow in our country, all through support from the innovative introduction of the FIFA Forward Programme,” Raji added.
National Stadium Transformed
FIFA Forward funding has additionally supported the refurbishment of Liberia’s iconic national football venue, the Antoinette Tubman Stadium (ATS) in central Monrovia.
Among the major improvements is the installation of modern floodlights, enabling the facility to host night matches.
The upgrade is particularly significant for women’s and youth teams, as fixtures involving different age categories can now be scheduled during evening hours to avoid daytime heat and scheduling conflicts.
FIFA’s latest evaluation places these various projects within a broader framework to strengthen football development in Liberia—spanning grassroots participation, school leagues, and major infrastructure enhancements.
For a nation where access to quality sporting infrastructure has long remained a challenge, these investments provide dedicated spaces for youth development while equipping football administrators with the tools to organize sustainable domestic competitions.
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