<\/p>\n
The Dinner was hosted mainly to generate funds for support toward the strengthening the capacity of the \u00a0National Football Team as it prepares to participate in the upcoming African Cup of Nations Tournament 2027. \u00a0It was also in recognition of the players\u2019 commitment, sacrifice, discipline, and performance.<\/p>\n
The Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Youth and Sports, has made a significant improvement in the financial allotment towards players.<\/p>\n
Increment in appearance fees for players has been upped from 1,000 USD to 2,500 USD, while the winning bonuses has similarly been increased from 1,000 USD to 2,500 USD. The increments were made to take immediate effect for the game in Rwanda, \u00a0scheduled for next year 2027.<\/p>\n
The President in his speech at the dinner said, \u201cWhen we invest in sports, we invest in our young people, and when we invest in our young people, we invest in the future of Liberia.\u201d \u00a0He stressed that a future can not be built simply by remembering the past, but a system can be built to produce another great generation of Liberian Footballers.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur problem has never been the absence of talent. Our challenge has been the building the system necessary to find, develop, and support the talent,\u201d the President added.<\/p>\n
Further the President expressed thanks to the Bea Mountain Corporation for undertaking a project of constructing two Football Academies in Liberia to be completed.\u00a0
\nThe academies, according to the Liberian Leader, will be the first of a kind in Liberia. \u00a0<\/p>\n
The President concluded by encouraging Government officials and investors to not just donate, but become partners in building the future of Liberian football.<\/p>\n
Out of the US $10 million that was targeted to be raised at the Rally, a little over US $3 million was raised.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n