Goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris, along with U.S Women’s National Team Head Coach Jill Ellis, will travel to Monrovia Football Academy (MFA) at the end of the month to promote women’s soccer in Liberia. The trip is sponsored by the U.S Embassy, as well as U.S Soccer and Sports United, the Department of State’s division dedicated to sports.
Harris and Ellis will be contributing to MFA’s coaching and academic courses, as well as speaking at U.S embassy events about leadership and female empowerment. Ellis was recently announced as an ambassador to MFA to promote women’s sports in the region. Many girls in Liberia suffer from discrimination, and MFA thinks that Harris’ and Ellis’ appearance could change the way that the girls’ see their future.
“I’m thrilled that Ashlyn and I have the opportunity to visit Liberia and support Monrovia Football Academy,” Ellis said according to MFA. “They’re doing ground breaking work by giving girls the chance to play football, and we want to help out in whatever way we can. We’re also excited to speak on leadership and interact with some of Liberia’s most influential public figures. Huge thanks to U.S. Embassy Monrovia and Sports United for making this happen.”
Harris and Ellis will be traveling from November 29th- December 2nd. Monrovia Football Academy is the first school in Liberia to combine academic education with football development.
