In the heart of Monrovia, where football isn’t just a sport but a lifeline, the MoMo Community League is back—bigger, bolder, and bursting with promise. Launched by the Liberia Football Association (LFA) in collaboration with Lonestar Cell MTN, this U-17 grassroots football tournament is changing lives one goal at a time.

Now in its second edition, the league isn’t just about matches. It’s about hope, discipline, and pathways to professionalism for Liberia’s youth.

The Vision Behind the MoMo Community League

Football has long been a unifying force across Liberia’s communities. But with limited infrastructure and few development pipelines, many young talents fade into obscurity. The MoMo Community League seeks to rewrite that story.

“We didn’t just want to organize a league,” said Abigail Nufeatalai, Lonestar Cell MTN’s Brand and Communications Manager. “We wanted to support grassroots football in a way that enables players to progress from the community level to bigger leagues.”

This vision has already borne fruit.

Proof of Progress: Real Success Stories

Take Beyan Yoko, for instance. The once-unknown striker from King Gray Community impressed scouts during the inaugural season and is now pursuing his professional dream in Nigeria.

He’s not alone. Players like Myers Swen and Cacious Pewee — who laced up for Bardnersville Community — have advanced to the Liberian First Division, suiting up for LISCR FC and Discoveries SA respectively.

These aren’t just anecdotes. They are tangible proof that the MoMo Community League is more than just a tournament — it’s a talent accelerator.

How the MoMo Community League Works

The 2025 edition features 16 communities drawn from Monrovia and its surrounding districts. Over 35 matches, these teams will compete in a format designed to test their skill, build teamwork, and expose them to the rigors of competitive football.

Prize Structure & Incentives

• Champions: L$300,000
• Runners-up: L$200,000
• Third Place: L$100,000
• Each Team’s Preparation Package: L$72,000 + uniforms and warm-up kits provided by Lonestar Cell MTN

Individual Awards:

• Most Valuable Player (MVP)
• Best Goalkeeper
• Best Defender
• “King of the Match” awarded after every fixture

These awards encourage players to push harder, improve technically, and stand out where it matters.

Strict Eligibility Ensures Fair Play

To preserve the integrity of this youth tournament, eligibility is taken seriously.

Participation Criteria:

• Players must be born between January 1, 2009 – December 31, 2010
• Each team is limited to five Third Division players
• National youth players or those who have participated in the National County Sports Meet are ineligible

This approach levels the playing field and ensures genuine U-17 talent has room to shine — not overshadowed by older, more experienced players.

🎯 Why it matters: The focus is not just on winning, but on development, exposure, and equity.

Opening Match: A Symbol of Legacy and Aspiration

The action kicked off on April 19, with host Bardnersville Community U-17 facing Free Port and Battery Factory U-17. Bardnersville has earned a reputation as a talent factory, and expectations are sky-high.

The opening match sets the tone for what promises to be a thrilling group stage battle.

MoMo Community League 2025 Group Stage Draw

The 16 participating teams are divided into four competitive groups:

Group A

• Bardnersville U-17
• Free Port and Battery Factory U-17
• Diggsville U-17
• Jacob Town U-17
• Chicken Soup Factory U-17

Group B

• King Gray Community U-17
• Gbeingbar Town U-17
• VOA and R2 U-17
• SKD Sports Complex U-17

Group C

• West Point U-17
• Clay Street and PHP U-17
• Cla-Doe U-17
• Old Road and Congo Town U-17

Group D

• Brewerville U-17
• Logan Town U-17
• New Kru Town U-17
• St. Paul U-17

Each group represents a unique blend of urban grit, coastal resilience, and football hunger. With only the best progressing to the knockout stages, every match will matter.

Spotlight on Emerging Stars

While the spotlight last year fell on Yoko and Pewee, 2025 brings a new class of rising stars. Scouts will be watching closely — both locally and internationally.

Players to Watch:

• Thomas Gaye (Cla-Doe U-17) – A fast-footed winger with a killer left cross
• Emmanuel Kromah (VOA and R2 U-17) – A midfield engine with leadership qualities
• Alvin Morris (Old Road U-17) – A goalkeeper with nerves of steel

These young talents aren’t just playing for glory. They’re playing for scholarships, academy invites, and professional contracts.

Why Grassroots Football Matters in Liberia

Liberia is a country rich in talent but short on structured opportunities. With limited access to training facilities, coaching staff, or youth academies, community football becomes the proving ground.

According to a recent Liberian Football Development Report, over 70% of professional players in Liberia began their journeys on community pitches with no boots, just passion.

The MoMo Community League provides structure, visibility, and investment — three ingredients vital to unlocking Liberia’s footballing potential.

Coaching, Mentorship & Life Skills

A lesser-known but equally important feature of the league is its emphasis on mentorship. Coaches aren’t just tacticians — they’re role models.

Many teams incorporate:

• Basic health and nutrition education
• Time management sessions
• Career talks from former players

These elements round out the players’ experience, turning raw talent into responsible young men.

A Community Reborn Through Football

In towns like St. Paul, West Point, or New Kru Town, poverty and unemployment are everyday realities. But during the MoMo League, something shifts.

• Streets clear for games
• Elders turn into cheerleaders
• Communities rally behind their youth

It’s a rare moment when all eyes turn toward hope, unity, and competition.

Looking Ahead: The Future of the MoMo Community League

With rising interest and proven success, the future looks bright. The LFA has hinted at:

• Regional expansion: Including counties outside Montserrado in 2026
• Girls’ U-17 League: A much-anticipated addition for next year
• Academy partnerships: Talks underway with international academies to scout talent

If all goes to plan, the MoMo Community League could become a national institution, paving the way for Liberia’s next footballing stars.

One League, Endless Dreams

The MoMo Community League is more than a tournament. It’s a revolution from the ground up — one that invests in Liberia’s most valuable asset: its youth.

Every pass, goal, and tackle is part of something larger — a movement that says every child with a dream deserves a chance.

So when the whistle blows on April 19, it won’t just mark the start of a match.
It’ll signal the continuation of a journey — from community corners to continental stages.