Robert Sport Academy Unveils Team Bus, Signals Growing Push for Grassroots Football - FrontPageAfrica

Monrovia – A wave of excitement swept through the Robert Sport Academy over the weekend as the Paynesville-based grassroots football institution unveiled a newly acquired 18-seat bus, marking a significant milestone in its ambitious journey toward professionalization.

By Christopher C. Walker christopherc.walker@frontpageafricaonline.com

The academy, founded in 2024 by businessman and football enthusiast Robert Wuo Feahn, has rapidly positioned itself as a nurturing ground for young talent.

After securing official certification from the Liberia Football Association (LFA), the academy established structured programs at the Under-12, Under-15, and Under-17 levels, currently catering to approximately 50 young players.

The unveiling ceremony, held on Saturday, April 25, brought together football stakeholders, parents, and community members.

Attendees described the event as more than just the introduction of a vehicle; it was a visible symbol of progress and opportunity for the local community.

Speaking at the ceremony, Feahn recounted the logistical hurdles involved in acquiring and shipping the bus from South Korea, describing the effort as a personal sacrifice for youth development.

“It was a difficult task, but I did it for the betterment of the country and the kids playing football,” he said.

Feahn emphasized that his vision extends far beyond football, revealing plans to eventually transform the academy into a comprehensive institution that includes educational and health facilities for young athletes.

“Today, we are doing it. Tomorrow, we will not be around. The foundation we build today, others will continue,” he noted, highlighting the need for sustainability in Liberian sports.

Despite the celebratory mood, Feahn was candid about the financial and operational challenges inherent in grassroots programs.

“We are struggling. It’s not easy, but we cannot sit back. We want to take children from the ghettos and help them become better people in society,” he added.

Call for Greater Sector Support

While expressing appreciation to LFA President Mustapha Raji for his presence and past support, Feahn urged the national football governing body and well-meaning Liberians to place even greater emphasis on grassroots initiatives.

“We need goodwill citizens to stand with us,” he urged, noting that the academy’s survival depends on a collective effort from the community and the state.

LFA President Mustapha Raji, who performed the official unveiling, praised the initiative as a major step in the right direction.

“Promoting grassroots football is exceptionally challenging. To see such investment particularly in transportation is commendable,” Raji said. He reaffirmed the LFA’s commitment to strengthening grassroots programs through improved infrastructure and capacity-building.

A Symbol of Hope

For the academy’s young players, the bus represents a life-changing convenience. It ensures reliable transportation to matches and training sessions, eliminating the physical exhaustion and safety risks of traveling long distances on foot.

Parents also hailed the development as a sign of professional structure. They noted that the academy provides a disciplined environment that offers a positive alternative to street life and “ghetto” influences.