The Football Federation Samoa's Seven-aside tournament for women has commenced in Iva Savai'i. Ten teams have signed up for the tournament.

The tournament is a mini version of football played on a smaller pitch with a team of six outfield players and a goalkeeper on each side. 

"We decided to start our Senior Women's tournament with a smaller scale style of football, giving the participating teams the opportunity to play in a fast and fun environment," said Papalii Tala, the Savai'i Development Manager.

"Given the small number of women playing football, I believe the 7-aside is an effective platform to attract the interest of girls as the duration of the game is shorter and more intense. 

"It's a quick way to gain the interest of girls who have the skills but doubt in their ability as when they are on the field eventually their energy and passion develops thus would feel the urge to play soccer."

He added that this version is beneficial for the players as it helps in developing speed, technical skills but it gives clubs with smaller player pools the chance to attract more players and develop their teams.

The 7-aside was introduced as a stop-gap tournament to spearhead the football season in Savaii, however the popularity and evidence from their Youth 7-aside competition, the same format is now used to start off the 2020 Savaii Senior football season.

The tournament also assists in the FFS drive to develop and garner more interest in the game in Savaii. The tournament is set to run for six weeks on Saturdays at the FFS center in Iva, Savaii. There are 10 teams but two teams have 2 separate teams, making it 12 teams.

The teams are McKay, Vaiafai, Iva Lions, Salelologa, Siufaga Hippo, Vailoa Palauli (2 teams), Pu'apu'a (2 teams), Pitonuu Satupaitea, Sapapalii SC, and Saipipi SC.