The team is heading to Auckland to compete in the OFC U-17 Championship and will be involved in the first match, a Group A showdown with Fiji that kicks off at 1.30pm on Saturday at North Harbour Stadium.
The 20-strong squad and its five officials attended a ceremony at the Futiga Methodist Church on Sunday before flying to Apia, Samoa to catch their connecting flight to Auckland.
Rev. Samuela Areta and the church congregation welcomed the team during their evening service, in which they prayed for their safe travel to and from the tournament.
Areta challenged the players to give it their best and to fight back if being pushed, instead of giving way when pressure is applied.
American Samoa have been drawn in the ‘Group of Death’ with favourites New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu but coach Rupeni Luvu’s main objective is getting the most out of his players.
“We are in a very tough group but are looking forward to the challenge and especially the experience to be gained from competing in this tournament,” he says.
“We are going to give it our best shot and that’s all we’re asking from our players, to give it their best.”
Football Federation American Samoa President Iuli Alex Godinet believes the youngsters will do their country proud.
“They went through a long selection and training process so we are extremely confident in this young team,” he says.
For more on American Samoa football go to www.ffas.as