Sierra Leone international volleyball player Ishmail Bangura has called for increased investment in youth development, saying the country’s future success in the sport depends on providing young athletes with better coaching, facilities and opportunities.

Having represented Sierra Leone in major continental competitions and earned an athletic scholarship to study and compete in the United States, Bangura believes the nation possesses abundant volleyball talent but lacks the resources needed to nurture it.

“There are so many gifted volleyball players in Sierra Leone,” Bangura said. “The challenge has never been talent. The challenge is access to quality coaching, facilities, equipment and consistent opportunities to compete.”

Bangura began his volleyball career in Freetown before rising through the domestic ranks to represent Sierra Leone at the African Games, African Beach Games, FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championship qualifiers and several regional tournaments.

His international exposure, he said, highlighted the importance of sustained investment in grassroots development, which has helped other countries strengthen their volleyball programmes.

A major breakthrough in his career came when he secured an athletic scholarship to Goshen College in Indiana, United States, where he combined academics with collegiate volleyball. During his time there, he was named Male Rookie of the Year, earned First Team All-Conference honours, was selected to the WHAC All-Freshman Team, received multiple WHAC Attacker of the Week awards, and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology and a minor in Graphic Design.

“Volleyball gave me an education,” Bangura said. “It opened doors that I never imagined would be possible. I want more young Sierra Leoneans to have those same opportunities.”

While continuing to pursue a professional volleyball career, Bangura said he is equally committed to giving back to the sport by mentoring young players and supporting initiatives that promote volleyball development across the country.

He advocated for stronger youth programmes, improved coaching education, greater participation in beach volleyball and closer collaboration among schools, clubs and the Sierra Leone Volleyball Federation.

“Every successful athlete has someone who believed in them,” he said. “If we invest in young players today, they can become the national team players, coaches and leaders of tomorrow.”

Bangura also expressed confidence that Sierra Leone can emerge as one of Africa’s leading volleyball nations if consistent investment is made in athlete development.

“Our country has produced talented volleyball players for many years,” he said. “With the right support, facilities and opportunities, I truly believe Sierra Leone can become one of Africa’s strongest volleyball nations.”

As he continues to build his playing career, Bangura remains determined to use his experiences to inspire the next generation, believing that his greatest achievement will be seeing more Sierra Leonean athletes earn international opportunities, access higher education through sport and fulfil their potential.