Published: August 27, 2025
MONROVIA — The Believers Eastern Church has opened the Believers Football Academy in Monrovia, a youth program that aims to blend sports, education and values under the church’s “Serving God and Humanity” mission.
The academy, launched at the Matadi Don Nico compound, is part of what church leaders describe as a broader Community Transformation Project. Organizers say football will serve not only as a training ground for talent but also as a tool to instill discipline, teamwork and responsibility.
“This academy is more than just about producing players; it’s about raising future leaders who will make positive impacts in society,” said Father Sachin Pakhre, the church’s country director. He noted that the program combines “faith, education and sports to build strong communities.”
A Dual Focus: Football and Education
The Believers Football Academy will provide structured training, mentorship and academic support to children and youth. It also aims to serve as a platform for identifying raw talent while ensuring that education remains a priority.
Former Liberian international midfielder and ex-national team coach Kelvin Sebwe praised the initiative, calling it an “eye-opener” for underprivileged children with football potential.
“I am glad that the church can come up with this idea through Father, because this is what the children look up to in the slum communities,” Sebwe said. “If the kids don’t take their education seriously, they will be dropped from the academy.”
He stressed that the project’s immediate goal is player development, not competition, and predicted that it could help discover future national players.
Parents Welcome the Project
Parents also lauded the program. Emmanuel Toles, speaking on behalf of families, thanked the church for investing in children’s futures.
“We are happy that our kids will have time to learn about football and also get education,” Toles said, urging parents to ensure their children attend training regularly and keep their uniforms clean.
At the launch, the academy presented free jerseys and football boots to its first five enrollees.
Expansion Plans
The church announced that two additional academies are planned for the Doe and Lakpazee communities. Leaders emphasized that the program is open to all youth in Monrovia and called on parents, guardians and community members to support participation.
As part of its Community Transformation Project, the Believers Eastern Church says it will continue to invest in sports, community outreach, character building and spiritual growth, using football as a foundation for lasting change.
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