The Liberia Grassroot Soccer Development Initiative (LIGSDI) is a   flagship program of the Consolidated Youth for Peace & Development (COYPED)  developed in 2013.

 

LIGSDI is the leader in grassroot sports-based children and youth  development program in Liberia. From promoting health to inspiring leadership and teamwork, LIGSDI utilize the power of Sports especially soccer to change the lives of hundreds of disadvantaged and less fortunate youths and children through its   programs across Liberia.

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VISION

 

Using football as a tool, Liberia Grassroot Soccer Development Initiative (LIGSDI) strives to overcome discrimination, improve health and combat disease, promote gender equality, fight violence and secure environmental sustainability. Thus, the project contributes actively and sustainably to achieving the Poverty Reduction Strategy.

 

MISSION

 

LIGSDI fosters youth development and peace with the emphasis on mutual understanding, fairness and tolerance, using football as a catalyst. To reach this target, LIGSDI supports existing youth and children soccer initiatives and assists in establishing new ones in the fifteen political sub-division. It combines football education and training with development measures for thousands of young people.

 

 

SPORT FOR SOCIAL CHANGE

 

The initiative recognizes the potential that football and other sports can unleash when systematically included in processes of social change. Football especially has the power to unite people and cultures all over the world. As a team sport it promotes fairness and tolerance, leapfrogs gender boundaries and fosters mutual understanding, thereby contributing to the positive development of personality and character.

 

SPORT FOR A STRONG CIVIL SOCIETY

 

LIGSDI focuses on the social dimension of the game. Using football as a tool for education, participation and inclusion, the initiative strives to overcome discrimination, improve health and combat disease, to promote gender equality, fight violence and secure environmental sustainability. It engages disadvantaged and disabled youth, empowering them with skills to positively develop their personality and character, thus increasing opportunities to tackle their life and enhancing a strong civil society. Primarily intended for girls and boys aged 12 to 20 years, LIGSDI uses a holistic approach and includes coaches, peer groups, families and other important members of the community.