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Showing posts from July 24, 2025

From Sidelines to Center Stage: How Sports are Fueling Sierra Leone’s Economic Revival

By: Alhaji A. Barrie  In the heart of Freetown, a dusty pitch tells a bigger story than any scoreboard. Here, dreams are born daily not just of becoming football stars, but of transforming lives and communities through sports. As Sierra Leone emerges from decades of economic hardship, a new movement is quietly gaining momentum: sports as a legitimate driver of sustainable development. Across the country, youth-led ventures in sports are reshaping what economic empowerment looks like.  Football academies double as mentorship hubs.  Informal leagues spark new jobs in coaching, officiating, and merchandise sales.  Talented athletes are leveraging digital platforms to showcase skills, gaining exposure and attracting international attention, bringing both cultural capital and economic potential. This isn’t just hustle it’s innovation grounded in local realities. From fashion designers crafting custom team jerseys to mobile vendors capitalizing on match day traffic, sports are becoming embed...