A 17-year-old Samoan football player hopes she makes the first team for next month’s Pacific Games.

Vineta Louise Falea'ana of Elise Fou is the youngest in the national squad, but that has not stopped her from aspiring to be a professional football player, and she sees next month’s Games as a good opportunity.

Talking to the Samoa Observer in an interview, Ms Falea'ana said she is nervous but also proud to be representing Samoa. 

"This will be my first time representing Samoa for the Pacific Games," she said. "I’m kind of nervous but I feel so happy and proud to represent Samoa in the Pacific Games, and right now I’m going to work really hard to be in the first 11 for the team Samoa.”

When asked what inspires her to continue her rigorous training, which includes morning training with the squad, she said it is her “future” that continues to push her.

"What inspires me is that this is one of the greatest blessings that God gave me and I am going to use it, and this is going to be my future."

Vineta said her mother was the first person to introduce her to football and she has been playing for the last six years. In 2016 she was part of the U16 women’s team that hosted the Cook Islands and in 2017 she represented the country in the U20 women’s team competing in New Zealand. In 2017 she was in the U18 team that played in New Zealand. 

Vineta also plays netball for the United Soulz club, but the juggle between the two sports can be a challenge. 

"Sometimes I find it hard to choose between soccer and netball but I love soccer more because football takes me around the world.”

Her passion for football has also seen her have stints with Kiwi FC, Manufili North Zone and the LFC School Football.