Soccer is not only the favorite sport of Sierra Leone, it’s an important staple to the culture. Children grow up playing with makeshift balls in the streets and dream of playing professionally. Many young men and women have true potential for greatness, as there are professional Sierra Leonean players in the Euro League today. But generally there aren’t enough structured leagues to showcase everyone’s skills.

Hosting a soccer game in Tikonko town means a great deal to the community in many ways. For starters, the best 40 athletes in the district will have a stage to showcase their skills. It will be a memorable day, as this type of event is rare. GTGR is the only organization to host any soccer tournaments in Tikonko town for the last 4 years.

Aside from the players, a soccer tournament benefits the community by boosting the local economy. In fact, all of the money spent to host this tournament will be given to local families, the soccer players, and laborers. We will pay a family to borrow their speaker system for the tournament, and we’ll pay laborers to buy and install the nets, and paint the lines on the field. We’ll also pay 3 referees to officiate the tournament, and hire local police to act as gate security. The winning soccer team will be rewarded a pot of money for their efforts as well.

As for the rest of the community, over 500-2000 people will be in attendance. Farmers from all around will seemingly come from the forests, as they can hear the dance music for miles. Cooks will come with foods and drinks, and entrepreneurs will come with beads, crafts and other items for sale.

Enjoy the vibrant energy of Tikonko town as you create lasting memories for yourself, and everyone around you.