GGM Amputee Football League (GGM AFL)

Amputee football (soccer) began in Sierra Leone, West Africa shortly after the war in 2001 with the establishment of (SLASC) the Single Leg Amputee Football Club. Through SLASC, amputee players were transformed from victims of war to victors on the playing field.  During the past ten years five teams and 120 players have participated in SLASC.  For many amputees, however, the program has not expanded and expectations have not been met.  Many of the original players are looking for a change. 

Amputee Football League (AFL)

Being an amputee in the poorest country in the world means a very difficult life.  Many amputees had several limbs amputated during the war. Some are amputees by landmines, others from accidents. Whatever the cause, the outcome remains the same. They are stigmatized, ostracized and treated as if they are unworthy.

GGM USA is helping create the opportunity for change with the establishment of the Greatest Goal Ministries Amputee Football League (GGM AFL) . This will be the first football club organized, coached and played by amputees themselves in Sierra Leone. GGM USA will provide oversight and assist with funding opportunities and equipment as possible.

Empowerment refers to increasing the spiritual, political, social, or economic strength of an individual and/or the community. Often it involves the empowered developing confidence in their own capacities.  GGM AFL has been organized to do just that. Amputee soccer builds confidence by giving them a choice and helping them to deliver the outcome. They can continue with an organization that they are familiar with, SLASC, or participate in the newly formed AFL and participate in something that may be able to add more meaning to their lives.

Participants to the GGM AFL will write their own constitution with GGM USA oversight. Each participant will create his own goals. As much as possible GGM USA will assist them in trying to reach those goals.  That goal may be to help send their children to school or it may involve job retraining, or starting a small business.  The teams will also be encouraged to participate in community events and attend community forums where they can speak on behalf of the tens of thousands of amputees within the country.

GGM USA will also be creating ways that teams can serve as mentors to others. Many in Sierra Leone could find hope in watching the most marginalized segment of the population rise above the hardships and difficulties with a “together” we can attitude. "Together" the athletes can find camaraderie and strength. Plans for the formation of all girl’s teams are also being discussed.