At Surge Soccer, every day on the field brings new stories of hope, resilience, and transformation. Our work in Liberia, a country still healing from the ravages of civil war, is filled with moments that remind us of the incredible impact soccer can have on individuals and communities. These stories are not just about the game—they are about lives changed, futures shaped, and hope restored. As we continue our mission in Liberia, we are excited to share some of the inspiring stories from the field that highlight the difference we are making together.
A Life Transformed: The Story of Winifred
One of the most inspiring stories from our work in Liberia is that of Winifred, a young woman who joined our Liberia Internship Program with a heart full of dreams and a deep desire to serve her community. Winifred’s journey with Surge Soccer began with her participation in one of our soccer camps, where her passion for the sport and her leadership potential quickly became evident.
Under the mentorship of our coaches and staff, Winifred’s skills both on and off the field flourished. She learned not only the technical aspects of soccer coaching but also the importance of holistic ministry—combining sports with education, community service, and spiritual growth. Winifred’s dedication and hard work have paid off in remarkable ways. Today, she is not just a soccer coach but a community leader with a bold vision: to open a pregnancy center in Monrovia, Liberia’s capital, to support young women in need.
Winifred’s story is a powerful testament to what can happen when young people are given the tools and guidance they need to pursue their dreams. Through her involvement with Surge Soccer, she has found her calling and is now working to make a lasting impact in her community.
Building Character on the Field
Another key aspect of our work in Liberia is our focus on character development through soccer. In a country where many young people face significant challenges, from poverty to a lack of educational opportunities, building resilience and a strong moral foundation is crucial. Our soccer programs are designed not only to teach the game but also to instill values like teamwork, discipline, respect, and perseverance.
One of our young participants, Joseph, embodies this approach. Joseph came to us with a difficult background—his family struggled to make ends meet, and he often found himself on the streets. But through our soccer program, Joseph discovered a new sense of purpose and belonging. With the support of our coaches, he learned to channel his energy into the game, developing both his soccer skills and his character.
Today, Joseph is a leader on and off the field. His transformation from a troubled youth to a responsible and motivated young man is a source of pride for all of us at Surge Soccer. Joseph now mentors younger players, helping them navigate the same challenges he once faced. His story is a shining example of how soccer can be a powerful tool for personal growth and community development.
Revitalizing Education through Soccer
Education is at the heart of our mission in Liberia, and we are seeing incredible results from our school-based soccer programs. By integrating soccer with academic learning, we are able to engage students in a way that traditional methods often cannot. Attendance is up, and students who were once disinterested in school are now eager to participate, both in the classroom and on the field.
One school that has seen a dramatic change is located in a rural area outside of Monrovia. Before we introduced our soccer program, the school struggled with low attendance and poor academic performance. But once soccer was integrated into the curriculum, things began to change. Students started coming to school regularly, excited about the opportunity to play soccer and learn new skills. Teachers have also reported a marked improvement in classroom behavior and academic achievement.
The success of this school is just one example of how soccer can be used as a tool to revitalize education and inspire a love for learning. As we continue to expand our programs across Liberia, we are committed to reaching even more schools and communities with this innovative approach.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on these stories of impact from Liberia, we are filled with gratitude for the support of our partners and the dedication of our team. The work we are doing together is making a real difference in the lives of countless individuals and families. But there is still much more to be done.
We invite you to join us in this journey. Whether through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word, your involvement can help us continue to bring hope, opportunity, and transformation to the people of Liberia. Together, we can write many more stories of impact—stories that will resonate for generations to come.