By Alhaji Musa Bah
On the 18th of May, 2025, the Soja Tong community was set alight with passion, energy, and unity as the highly anticipated Ady Macauley Football Gala officially kicked off. The opening ceremony, which brought together vibrant youth, community leaders, and football fans, was not just a celebration of sports—it was a clarion call for a new generation of leadership.
In a heartfelt speech, Ady Macauley, the former Anti-Corruption Commission boss and the leading APC 2028 Presidential Aspirant, an inspiring figure in youth leadership, and 2028 APC Flagbearer, emphasized the need for intentional and sustainable involvement of young people in shaping Sierra Leone’s future. “It’s time for young people to take over—better, active, and intentional leadership,” he declared. “Our parents have taken care of this nation up to this point, but the decisions we make today will affect our lives for the next 20 to 30 years.”
Ady Macauley emphasized that sports hold immense potential for national growth and development, noting how countries like England and Spain have reaped major benefits from investing in the game, and urged that through collaboration and community support, Sierra Leone too can seriously continue building its own thriving local league and nurture homegrown stars.
Macauley, who attended the nearby St. Edward’s Primary School and played football at the iconic Akibo Betts playing field, expressed deep pride in returning to the same ground where his journey began. He used the moment to reflect on the power of opportunity, discipline, and community: “I stand here because someone gave me a chance. Now, it’s our duty to extend that same chance to every child not only in this community but across Sierra Leone.”
The gala features top community football teams, including Hill Street, Fort Street, Soldier Street, Circular Rangers, Angola Community, Cardona City, De Junction, and Relationship FC. Each team represents not just skill and passion but the diverse heartbeat of Soja Tong and its surrounding neighbourhoods.
The Chairlady praised the tournament as more than just a football event, calling it “a platform for unity, growth, and opportunity.” She thanked Lawyer Ady Macauley for believing in the youth and urged the community to rally behind the players, saying, “This is the beginning of something bigger for Soja Tong and beyond.”
The Chairlady described the gala as a moment of pride for the community, highlighting how sports can unite and inspire. “Seeing our young people take center stage like this shows that with the right support, they can shine,” she said. “Lawyer Ady Macauley has given us more than a trophy—he’s given us hope.”
The Ady Macauley Trophy is more than a football gala—it is a vision. A vision where sports meet civic responsibility and where leadership begins in the hearts of young people taking charge of their destiny. As the community cheered the opening match into action, one thing was certain: the future is bright, and it begins now in Soja Tong.
