Published: April 17, 2026
MONROVIA — A combined Liberia U-17 and U-20 squad has departed for a developmental training camp in England, where the players are scheduled to face academy sides from Chelsea, Queens Park Rangers and Nottingham Forest in a series of matches aimed at accelerating their technical development.
The tour, supported by the British Embassy in Liberia, departed Roberts International Airport on April 15 and arrived in England April 16. The delegation was drawn from the Talent Development Scheme and the national U-20 program, with members completing visa processing at the British High Commission in Sierra Leone ahead of departure.
Only players and staff who secured travel documents formed the initial traveling party. Remaining members are expected to join the squad in the United Kingdom once their visas are approved.
The team, branded as a select squad while in England, will play a series of matches against youth academy sides, providing what the Liberia Football Association described as critical international exposure for emerging players.
The LFA thanked the British Embassy for its support throughout the administrative process and reaffirmed its commitment to creating global opportunities for young Liberian talent.
The association also apologized to organizers of the Dallas Cup and the Liberian community in the United States after the squad was unable to participate in that tournament due to visa processing challenges. In a statement, the LFA said managing visa applications for both the United States and the United Kingdom simultaneously made it impossible to meet the U.S. deadline. The association said planning is underway for a senior national team tour of the United States in July 2026.
Frank Pah, who plays for Ceda Stars Bergen in Norway, was ruled out of the tour due to visa complications.
The delegation is headed by Diamond Diggs Bayoh, with Nathaniel Sherman Jr. serving as deputy technical director. Other officials include FIFA talent coach Ammy C. Ninje and U-17 coach Dominic Savice.
Traveling Squad
Goalkeepers: Benedict Dubge, TDS Academy; Christopher Sonyah, Downtown FC. Outfield players: Mitchell S. Jackson, FC Fassell; Cassius C. Pewee, Discoveries SA; Raul P. Somah, Paynesville FC; Darius Garmondeh, Watanga FC; Richmond Bleh, Discoveries SA; Ansu Donzo, TDS Academy; Robert P. Lartey Jr., TDS Academy; Peter W. Putu Jr., TDS Academy; MacDonald W. Wiles, TDS Academy; Johnson Yekeh, TDS Academy; Morris M. Dabeh, TDS Academy; Oneal Taylor, Columbus Crew (USA); Prince Forfor, Columbus Crew (USA); James Lackey, Melbourne (Australia).
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