Umaru ‘Baby Brother’

Name: Umaru

Position: Right Defence

Hometown: Freetown

Age: 12

Umaru grew up as the youngest member of a family of 7, living in Congo Town in the center of Freetown. Growing up in the shadow of the National Stadium, soccer was always at the forefront of Umaru’s hopes and dreams, however circumstances early in life suggested that his dreams would remain just that, dreams.

Living in a single room house, alongside his parents and 4 siblings, Umaru was often denied what many of us take for granted. Despite their hard work selling water and bread, his parents struggled to provide their children with more than the bare essentials. It was common for the family to share a bowl of rice at meal times; and Umaru’s education could be described as inconsistent at best.

But in 2010 Umaru, who had grown up playing football with a ball made of old socks, was given the opportunity to change his and his families life forever, and make good on his childhood dreams when he was selected to join the Academy.

At the Academy, Umaru has consistently made improvements both on the football field and in the classroom – winning the Academy’s ‘Most Improved Player’ for the 2010-2011 season. As the youngest member of his generation, Umaru once again finds himself in the baby brother position, but continually defies the status quo by demonstrating maturity and performances beyond his years, often setting an example for many of his peers to follow.

 

Awoko Sports Interview

Umaru was recently subject to an interview by Awoko Sports. In the interview he radiates confidence and is full of praise for the academy. Read the full interview here:

http://www.awoko.org/2011/04/11/life-in-the-academy-is-good-umaru-samura/

 

Sponsor Umaru!

If you would like to support Umaru’s personal, academic and athletic development, then please contact us at sponsor@craigbellamyfoundation.org