FIFA Talent Identification Program Launched in Liberia

The most popular sport globally is still football, but FIFA is still working to make it “truly global at the highest level.”

FIFA continues to roll out a variety of programs that Member Associations (MAs) have put in place to accomplish this goal. The Talent Identification Program, a program designed to develop talents, is its most recent strategy.

According to FIFA, a sustained effort in this area produces structural outcomes. Fortunately, Liberia is one of many MAs implementing the program with assistance from FIFA, but more work still needs to be done to honestly give every talent a chance domestically and internationally.

Over the weekend, three of Liberia’s  15 counties, including Montserrado, Margibi, and Grand Bassa, saw the official launch of a U15 National Youth Domestic League by the Liberia Football Association (LFA).

The domestic U15 league is the first stage of the FIFA Talent Development program, which aims to encourage and provide young players from various backgrounds with the chance to showcase their talents. Following this, footballers who are talented and driven will be scouted, identified, and developedfor various Liberian youth national teams.

“This is a FIFA-funded program. FIFA has provided US$50,000 for this program and it will greatly help our administration to develop the next generation of Liberian footballers for men U15 and U17 and onward to the U20,” LFA president Mustapha Raji said.