Launching Surge Soccer Liberia
We believe soccer is a powerful way to connect with people, to understand their needs, and to form lasting partnerships to meet those needs – spiritually, socially, and educationally.
When a fellow coach first called and asked, “Would you consider working in Liberia?” I politely said I’d pray about it – but honestly told the Lord, “I’m not going to Liberia.”
Four years later, we’ve been there multiple times.
What started with one trip to lead a seminar for Liberia’s top football coaches has grown into Surge Soccer Liberia. We’ve come alongside existing efforts in education with Miss Ollie White (former Miss Liberia) and her Beautiful Beginnings Schools and Elite Teacher Training; soccer/educational development nationwide, and even trauma care – learning, serving, and building trust along the way.
In that first step, we visited a school, were involved in training Christian leaders in sports ministry and we assessed how could we be of service to the existing leaders and coaches in Liberia.
After Al, our VP and I took that first trip, Roy and Roberta Reed (Colorado) joined us. Roberta brings her expertise in educational development and Roy brings his experience in counseling.
Roy and Roberta oversee and recruit sponsors for our Liberian Leadership Interns. They have also expanded our educational and trauma relief efforts by helping us add more volunteers in the USA.
Our long serving Vice President Al Lotz (Georgia) brings a wealth of international experience with a focus on teaching the Bible to pastors and leaders.
Mike Russ (Pennsylvania) is coming onto our Advisory Board and brings expertise in business and soccer coaching.
We love people. We love connecting through soccer. And we love partnering with others in Liberia and the USA to serve the people of Liberia, guided in Jesus name.
Sharing hope through soccer,
David Irby
Surge Founder & CEO
Learn more about our work and vision here on this site.
We invite you to pray with us, donate as you feel led, and consider having us speak at your church, group, or event.
Continue reading to discover more about our experience in Liberia…
Our powerful 5 minute Liberia video. Another compelling reason!
This is a series of blogs from Roberta (and Roy) Reed, who joined Surge founder Dave Irby on his second trip to Liberia. The Reeds, former Surge International Board, members live in Colorado. Roberta is an “educational specialist” and Roy is a “trauma specialist.”
Stories and Updates from Liberia
The weekly long training for the 60 young Liberians had gone well. From field sessions in theNational Stadium, to devotions, lectures, and prayer time in the conference room. Saturday wasthe day the coaches would train children and receive their certifications of completion; inpreparation for going back to their 20 locations, across Liberia, to begin the DT6 Saturday Schools(Bible lessons, scripture memory and fun soccer games).Read More…
Wonder why we do soccer? Why it matters? Check out David Irby’s recent conversation with howsoccerexplainsleadership.com. Bringing Hope Discover the powerful story of a Christian soccer team risking everything to bring hope and unity to war-torn Sudan—an inspiring testament to faith, courage, and reconciliation. Leadership Leadership, often overlooked in coaching, is now my focus. Inspired by a podcast and coaching in Liberia, I emphasize vision and empathy as key to building cohesive, inspired teams. Full Transcript from Podcast: Do Hard Things in Hard Places with David Irby, CEO of Surge …
In Liberia, a country where the scars of civil war are still visible in every aspect of society, the need for educational reform is more pressing than ever. With a significant portion of the population under the age of 16 and an alarming number of teachers unable to read, the future of Liberia’s youth hangs in the balance. At Surge Soccer, we are tackling this challenge head-on through an innovative approach that combines the power of soccer with the crucial need for literacy education. Our mission is simple yet ambitious: …
We have just returned from my fourth trip to Liberia, and Roy and Roberta Reed’s third trip. From chaos to blessings…the photos in the attachment tell a wonderful story!
At Surge Soccer, we believe in the transformative power of sports—not just as a game but as a ministry that can change lives and communities. Our commitment to this vision has led us to establish the Liberia Internship Program, a unique initiative designed to equip the next generation of sports ministers with the skills, knowledge, and spiritual foundation they need to make a lasting impact. This program is a critical part of our mission in Liberia, where the need for leadership, mentorship, and positive role models is more urgent than …
Surge Soccer has long been a beacon of hope, using the world’s most popular sport as a tool for outreach, development, and transformation. In recent years, one of our most impactful ventures has been in the heart of West Africa—Liberia. What began as a single trip to this post-conflict nation has blossomed into a full-scale operation, serving as a hub for our efforts across the continent. The journey of Surge Soccer in Liberia is a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and the universal language of soccer. Our introduction …
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 …
I’m making my fourth trip to Liberia on Thursday to assist with football development along with our education and trauma relief specialists. (September 12-23) (30 hours of travel each way, lol) Top of the list is the seminar I will be giving for approximately 68 football trainers (grassroots & academy) and observation & consulting with the U17 & U20 Boys National Teams. Meetings with: the Liberia Football Association, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Beautiful Beginnings School (our pilot/partner school for grassroots football), and Elite Teacher Training. We will also host …
In Liberia, a country still grappling with the aftermath of two brutal civil wars, the scars of conflict run deep. Among the most tragic legacies of these wars is a generation of children who have grown up without fathers—often referred to as Liberia’s “fatherless generation.” This demographic, which makes up more than half of the nation’s population under the age of 16, faces a daunting future with limited access to education, mentorship, and positive role models. At Surge Soccer, we are committed to addressing this urgent need by using the …
Please read the attached letter and as always we appreciate your prayers and financial support. sharing hope through soccer, Dave Irby