Football Federation Samoa's (FFS) new facilities next to Apia Park will be used to host a series of events during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in October.

The multi-million dollar facilities will be the organisation's headquarters once officially opened in December.

The President of FFS, Papalii Samuel Petaia said they never anticipated hosting a CHOGM event and felt privileged.

 "Our government's given us so much, it is an honour for us to be holding some events here," he added.

The construction of the new FFS headquarters has been underway since 2019, with three stages planned for completion. 

Papalii noted that the current stage of development is at 2.0 and shared insights into the facility's purpose.

"The main purpose of this facility is to develop football in Samoa. It aids in development if you have the proper fields and the facilities, it attracts more youths to play football," he said.

Highlighting the facility's significance, Papalii mentioned that it was made possible with support from FIFA, which granted over US$5 million for its construction. The facility boasts four changing rooms, three futsal courts, three football pitches, office spaces, and bathrooms. 

Papalii also revealed plans for the facility in Tuanaimato's future use, stating, "That facility remains and if everything goes to plan, that will be a purely a high performance academy, mainly a technical center." 

"It helps our government with the economy in whatever way in terms of sports tourism," he said.

As the FFS prepares to complete this project, the new facilities will serve as a hub for football development and a venue for prestigious international events, marking a significant milestone for sports in Samoa.

The facilities will have two opening ceremonies, one ceremony will be the opening before CHOGM  while the official opening of the facility will be later this year when the project is completed.