TDS Coach Appeals for Youth Football Funding

Published: May 11, 2026

By: Thomas Kojo Roulhac 

MONROVIA — A FIFA-accredited youth coach is calling on the government, corporate sponsors, and football stakeholders to fund a second European development tour for young Liberian players, warning that financial constraints could kill momentum built during a recent training trip to England.

Ammy Ninje, coach of the Talent Development Scheme, made the appeal at a news conference in Monrovia following the return of a delegation of Liberian youth footballers that included members of the under-20 national team. The group traveled to the United Kingdom for a development tour that Ninje described as a transformative experience for players who had limited prior exposure to professional football environments.

“We learned a lot during the England tour, and it is important for the players to return during preseason when clubs are actively preparing for the new campaign,” Ninje told reporters. “That is the period when young players can truly measure themselves against international standards.”

Several players already hold valid UK visas, removing one barrier to a planned July return. The obstacle now, Ninje said, is money.

“The main challenge now is securing support for air tickets, accommodation, and other logistical expenses,” he said. “Without that, the dream of returning to Europe in July will not be possible.”

What the Tour Delivered

Ninje said the UK trip gave players access to structured training environments, professional facilities, and direct interaction with seasoned athletes, coaches, and club officials — experiences he said are difficult to replicate in Liberia.

Players participated in training sessions, friendly matches, and workshops covering tactical awareness, nutrition, and mental preparation. Ninje said the impact went beyond technical skill.

“Interacting with professional athletes both on and off the pitch significantly boosted their confidence,” he said. “It showed them what discipline, preparation, and professionalism really look like.”

Why July Matters

Ninje said the timing of the planned return trip is deliberate. Preseason in England and across Europe begins in July, when clubs are actively assembling and testing their squads ahead of the new campaign.

“Preseason is when clubs are open to testing young talent,” he said. “It is the perfect window for Liberian players to showcase themselves and learn from the best.”

He argued that consistent international exposure is not a luxury but a necessity for a country that wants to compete at higher levels of the game.

“Exposure to international football standards is not just about skills,” Ninje said. “It is about mindset, discipline, and understanding the demands of the modern game. If we want Liberia to compete at higher levels, we must invest in these opportunities.”

A Plea for Investment

Football stakeholders at the news conference acknowledged that Liberia has historically struggled to build consistent pathways for youth players into professional environments, with financial barriers repeatedly interrupting promising development programs.

Ninje closed with a direct appeal to anyone in a position to help.

“This is not just about individual players,” he said. “It is about the future of Liberian football. Every dollar invested in these young athletes is an investment in national pride and potential. We cannot allow this momentum to fade. The boys have seen what is possible. Now we must give them the chance to return, to grow, and to represent Liberia on the global stage.”