By: NSA Media
The National Sports Authority (NSA) has initiated discussions with Scottish giants Celtic Football Club aimed at establishing a partnership that could significantly strengthen football development in Sierra Leone.
The engagement took place alongside activities related to the Commonwealth Games, where the NSA leadership met with Celtic FC officials to explore areas of collaboration focused on youth football, coaching, and technical development.
Under the proposed partnership, Sierra Leone could benefit from Celtic FC’s International Club Partner Programme, which would introduce the club’s youth coaching methodologies and coaching curriculum through the NSA, helping to enhance grassroots football development across the country.
The discussions also covered Advanced Player and Elite Programmes, with Celtic proposing intensive training camps featuring tactical, technical, classroom, and video analysis sessions. Outstanding young Sierra Leonean players could also earn opportunities to train at the club’s academy in Glasgow.
Another key area of cooperation is Team Tour Experiences, where the NSA would facilitate visits by Sierra Leonean youth teams to Scotland for behind-the-scenes tours of Celtic Park, training sessions at the club’s facilities, and friendly matches against local teams.
The proposed agreement also includes Coach Education, allowing both institutions to exchange technical expertise and operational knowledge to strengthen coaching standards and support long-term football development in Sierra Leone.
NSA Executive Chairman Mohamed Alphaka Conteh said the Authority, as the country’s sports regulator under the Ministry of Sports, would present the outcome of the discussions to the Minister of Sports before any agreement is finalized in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Football Association, which would serve as the implementing partner.
Conteh described the engagement as a promising initiative that could create lasting opportunities for young footballers and technical personnel.
“This agreement, when finalised, will be a significant international partnership for sports development and the growth of Sierra Leone’s football economy,” he said.
Celtic FC’s International Soccer Academy Manager, Jose Romero, reaffirmed the club’s commitment to the proposed collaboration.
“We are ready to fully work with the National Sports Authority in Sierra Leone for the development of sports in the West African nation,” Romero said.
If concluded, the partnership is expected to provide Sierra Leone’s football sector with access to world-class coaching expertise, elite player development pathways, and international exposure for both players and coaches.