The women’s football semi-final match between Samoa and the Solomon Islands in the semi-finals of the Oceania Women's Olympic Qualifiers turned into a lively party when school kids from Saina Toamua Primary School and Vaitele Uta Primary School came to cheer for their favourite teams. 

The FFS stadium echoed with the sounds of their songs, chants and dances as the kids showed their support for both Samoa and the Solomon Islands. 

"We are here to have fun and support our team Samoa," Faapesa Saufoe said while her friend Max Iosefa said they were cheering for the Solomon Islands.

The kids' enthusiasm lifted the atmosphere and added to the fun of the match. The vice principal of Vaitele Uta Primary School, Maaolo Ioelu, was also present at the match and emphasised the importance of kids attending such events to be inspired to play football one day. 

"It's important for the school kids to be physically present at a football match and to be inspired to play football one day," Ioelu said.

He brought up that when the kids grow up they can look back and remember how inspiring it was to watch the Samoa women's football team.

President of the FFS, Papalii Samuel Petaia, expressed his happiness that the children were watching and supporting the Samoa women’s team. 

"I hope from today's game, some of the girls and some of the boys get inspired to make football their game of choice," Papalii said. 

Savannah Mose from Vaitele Uta Primary School was one of the kids inspired by the match. 

"I came today because I play football and I love it,” Miss Savannah said. She also added that most of the students from her school also played football and wanted to watch the game. 

The students from Saina Toamua Primary School and Vaitele Uta Primary School were the stars of the day. Their energy and enthusiasm were contagious as they got the crowd up dancing and singing little chants which added more excitement to the match. 

Samoa may have lost the match but the school kids certainly won the hearts of the crowd. The event was a great example of how sports can inspire and bring people together. The excitement and enthusiasm of the students could not be dampened, and they continued to cheer till the end despite the score line.