Development Centers boost football growth in Savai'i

By Vaelei Von Dincklage 10 November 2020, 3:00PM

The development of football on the big island of Savai'i is taking big strides with ten centers dedicated to nurture talent and promote the sport. The idea is also to develop good coaches, umpires and officials.

Director for the Savai'i Football Center, Papal'ii Tala Salamasina, said the aim is to allow the young children of Savai'i to discover their love for football and hone their talents.  

"Our aim for these centers is to develop the football skills and talents of the kids in Savaii, not only for the players, but for umpires, coaches and other roles in football," he said.

"It will help them develop their full potential in their talents but it also helps in finding their future careers. 

"Their soccer skills can help them find jobs at the football association if they are good. And we are also hoping that they can one day represent Samoa in our teams."

Of 10 centres, the main centre is at Fa'asaleleaga, Iva.


"We have 10 centers, and they train for four days here at the Faasaleleaga, Iva main center. All their training are done here. 

"The age group that we have in our centers are U10, U12, U16, and U19. It is a great sight to see the young ones having that spirit to come and play in our centers. Talent can guarantee a good future for them too."

There are 30 children for the U10, U12, and U16 for both Boys and Girls, and 15 players for the U19 for both Boys and Girls. The Savaii football development center will be hosting tournaments for the Senior Boys and Girls this month.

"We will be hosting our Soccer Sisters for the Girls and the Sevens for our Senior Boys on the 28th of November. We invite everyone to come and support their teams and to watch their children play," he said.

The teams who will be involved are from Sili, Gataivai, Vailoa Palauli, Vaitoomuli, Pitonuu Satupaitea, and Fagamalo.



By Vaelei Von Dincklage 10 November 2020, 3:00PM

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