Samoa Football Soccer Federation (SFSF-NC) is excited to announce the newly formed National League will officially kick off this Saturday 5 September at JS Blatter Football complex, Tuana’imato.

The Football Samoa Premier League consists of twelve teams challenging for the 2009-2010 national Championship. The league format is played over two rounds with the winner taking out the championship.

The Samoa Cup competition is also part of the 2009-2010 season that will be played in a Cup, Plate and Bowl format.

CEO Colin Tuaa says this format is designed to increase the mental and physical toughness of the competing teams.

 “SFSF-NC has decided against having a play-off format. Like most leagues around the world the winner is crowned the league champion. Teams and coaches will have to face the challenges week-to-week and consistency over a season will determine the worthy champions,” explains Tuaa.

The SFSF-NC Chief Executive and former New Zealand All Whites representative says that competing teams will have to be prepared and focused for every match in order to succeed.

“This league structure will create pressure each week to perform and there is less room for error as no individual team can afford to drop off the leading pack. It’s this type of mentality we want to develop for Samoa Football going forward.”

“The Samoa Cup provides another competition for teams to prepare and play for. This will also add another seven games to the season which we believe is the minimum level of matches required for effective development of the players and the Football Samoa Premier League as a quality competition.”

Stefan Szegedi Competitions Manager says he is looking forward to witnessing SFSF-NC hard work behind the scenes bearing fruit on the playing field. 

“I am looking forward to seeing tough competition played within the spirit of FIFA Fair Play.  The infrastructure is in place and I am confident that we have set a high standard for clubs to aspire to. I believe the newly formed league will be a big success,” Szegedi says.

The following 12 clubs will compete for the 2009-2010 Football Samoa Premier League title:

1. Adidas Soccer Club

2. Apia Youth

3. Central United FC

4. Cruz Azul

5. Goldstar Sogi FC

6. Kiwi Soccer Club

7. Moataa Soccer Club

8. Moaula United FC

9. Strickland Brothers Lepea

10. Togafuafua Saints

11. Vaivase Tai

12. USP Soccer Club

Courtesy of SFSF-NC Media