One of the country’s vibrant grassroots football organisers, Camp DIVA Youth Football Association, has honoured the Chief Executive Officer of Star Sport Academy, Yankuba Jusu Tarawally Jr., by dedicating the 21st edition of its youth championship to the football administrator.

The competition, which is ongoing at the Kroo Bay Community Field, is now being known as “The Yankuba Jusu Tarawally Junior Trophy” in recognition of his contributions to youth football development in Sierra Leone.

Tarawally, popularly known as Lux Cee Note, is the Chairman of Star Sport Academy—one of the country’s fastest-growing football academies. Founded in January 2022, the academy was established with the vision of empowering young people through football while creating professional pathways for talented players.

Star Sport Academy currently runs programmes in three age categories: Under-12, Under-15 and Under-17. Beyond football training, the academy also supports the education of its Under-12 and Under-15 players, ensuring that young athletes combine academic learning with sports development. The academy has also provided four clubhouses in Freetown to accommodate and support its players.

Despite making its debut season in the Sierra Leone Premier League, Star Sport Academy has emerged as one of the surprise performers in the competition, sitting top of the league table at the halfway stage of the season.

According to the Chairman of Camp DIVA Youth Football Association, Charles Carew, popularly known as Charlie Boy, Tarawally’s vision to establish the academy has helped many young boys pursue their dreams through football.

Carew also highlighted Tarawally’s strategic move to purchase Division One side Dollarosa and rebrand it as Star Sport Academy, describing the club as one of the most structured football institutions in the country.

“With their Under-17 players, they competed in the 2024 National Division One League, went unbeaten, conceded no goals and won every match,” Carew explained. “Their dominance secured promotion to the Sierra Leone Premier League, where they are currently leading the table at the halfway stage of the season. This shows the rapid development taking place within the academy.”

As part of its broader vision, Star Sport Academy has also organised a Youth Detection Tournament in Bo Town, attracting over 40 international football agents and clubs from across West Africa to scout emerging talent and provide exposure for young players.

Some of the academy’s youth teams have already gained international exposure. The Under-15 team has participated in tournaments in Senegal, Turkey and Guinea, while the Under-17 side recently travelled to Germany, Turkey, Russia and Armenia for trials.

Carew noted that the decision to dedicate the tournament to Tarawally was influenced by his commitment to transforming the lives of young people, especially those from vulnerable communities.

“Because of the love, passion and dedication he has shown in transforming the lives of children, particularly those from communities like ours, we decided to dedicate this year’s 21st edition of the youth championship to him,” Carew said.

He added that the decision was discussed with the association’s previous sponsor Abu Bakar Banjul Banjah and partners including Ibrahima Sorie Jalloh, Eagle Cargo Services, and Mercury International, all of whom welcomed the initiative and pledged their continued support for youth football development.

The Camp DIVA Youth Championship has become a key grassroots football platform in Freetown, providing young players—particularly those from underprivileged communities—with the opportunity to showcase their talent and pursue a future in the sport.