MONROVIA — The Liberia Football Association (LFA), in partnership with the British Embassy in Monrovia, hosted a football tournament for girls’ teams from nine schools on March 14 at the historic Blue Field (BYC Field) in the PHP Community, marking the completion of newly refurbished changing room facilities for Liberia’s girls’ national teams.
The tournament brought together teams from C.D.B. King Elementary, Anna Whisnant Elementary, Kendeja Elementary Public School, WAT Daycare Elementary School, Agnes Baako School, Calvary Mission School, Nimba Academy, Apostle Wisdom School System, and Jessica Rachel Kolleh School. The event celebrated both the growing enthusiasm for girls’ football in Liberia and a significant infrastructure improvement aimed at supporting female athletes.
The renovated facilities consist of two changing room blocks designed to provide privacy and security for girls participating in football activities at the venue. The spaces will be used primarily by Liberia’s girls’ national teams for training sessions and matches, offering a safe environment where players can prepare without fear of intrusion.
Construction work on the project was carried out by Monroe International Group of Companies, a Liberian-owned building firm. The facility also features a striking mural created by renowned Liberian artist Saah John, depicting female footballers from Liberia and England together. The artwork celebrates the inclusiveness of football and highlights how the sport bridges cultures and inspires young women around the world.
The mural references the achievements of the England women’s national team, known as the Lionesses, who are European champions after defeating Spain in the 2025 final. Organizers say the imagery was intended to symbolize the potential of women’s football and encourage Liberian girls to pursue the sport with confidence.
Speaking at the event, LFA Third Vice President and Head of Women’s Football, Jodie Marian Reid Seton, praised the collaboration between the federation and the British Embassy.
“The Liberia Football Association extends its profound gratitude to the British Embassy for their invaluable partnership,” Seton said. “The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to gender equality and girl’s empowerment through football. The project aligns with our core pillars to professionalise the game, and youth/girls development and safeguarding. The facility will provide a secure private and hygienic environment that ensures young girls have safe spaces necessary to participate in football with dignity and security.”
Also addressing the gathering, Cornelia Wonkerleh Kruah, Liberia’s Minister of Youth and Sports, emphasized the broader national importance of investing in women’s athletics.
“An investment in women’s sports is a good investment. Liberian women have won in so many sectors. Sports should not be an exception,” she said.
For the United Kingdom, the initiative represents part of a broader effort to promote gender equality and youth empowerment through sports partnerships in Liberia.
British Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Simon Tooth noted that football has long served as a cultural bridge between the two countries.
“The UK and Liberia share a deep love of football. Football is also a sport that should be available to everyone, whether they are male or female,” Tooth said. “The English Women’s Team, the Lionesses, are European Champions and inspired a generation of girls and women in the UK and across the world to get involved in football. We want to support Liberia to create the same feeling, to ensure everyone can play football if they want.
“That is why I’m delighted the British Embassy and Liberia Football Association put together this tournament and also provide safe facilities for girls’ teams that will provide privacy when they practice or play matches,” he added.
The refurbished facilities and the accompanying school tournament reflect a growing push to expand women’s football in Liberia by creating safer spaces for participation while inspiring young girls to pursue opportunities in the sport.
