Co-opted S-League Manager, Joseph Boso, said while the competition has plenty of challenges, the platform was there for improvements to be made.
“There are targets set for future of the S-League with the introduction of youth leagues, women’s leagues, futsal and beach soccer national leagues.
“By 2016, it is hoped we can separate the youth leagues into age group competitions U19, U-16 and U-17 girls. With time and effort, I believe these targets are achievable,” he said.
Those targets are part of the local Club Licensing process in the Solomon Islands, a hand in glove fit with aspects of the OFC/FIFA Development Seminar currently underway in Auckland over the next five days.
The Telekom S-League was established in 2011, with eight clubs playing two rounds, championship group stage and knock out.
Launched in October, with a new S-League Board, the club that wins the S-League qualifies for the OFC Champions League.
Media coverage of the S-League is in a period of negotiation with radio rights through the Solomon Islands Broadcast Corporation under negotiation.
With no television provider in the country, that medium is also on hold for now.
Despite these conditions, Boso said the commercial and marketing opportunities for local businesses remained many.
Benjamin Totori, nominated for OFC Player of the Year 2012, has returned to the S-League and plays his football for Western United.
With a former professional and well-known international player taking part in the flagship domestic league, that can only be good for the S-League’s marketing opportunities as Boso explains.
“There is room for improved sponsorship, currently only ‘Our Telekom’ sponsors the S-League but there’s a market for three other companies and I believe in coming years we will have that,” he said.
The ‘Our Telekom’ sponsorship package is worth $50,000 USD and covers prizes, marketing, promotion, naming rights, brand visibility, signage, merchandising, and exclusive exploitation of naming rights.
But sponsorship regulation for specific clubs is much tougher to manage.
“Sponsorship for teams is unregulated and it is difficult to manage. Some sponsors have expressed unhappiness and it is one area we need to work hard at improving.
“We want to implement a semi-regulated sponsorship structure next season and help see a return for sponsors of the game,” Boso said.
Like any National League in the Oceania region, the S-League has obstacles to overcome.
“We have only a single venue at Lawson Tama which places stress on the pitch. Currently only Lawson Tama Stadium is capable of hosting a National League match.
“All other pitches are unsafe for players and clubs don’t want to play on them but we are working with the Government to improve other venues around the country,” he said.
Event clashes, players leaving to participate in other leagues around Oceania, or international age-group tournaments makes scheduling and fulfilling matches problematic.
But Boso says the long term vision keeps hope alive that the S-League can contribute solutions to some of those challenges sooner rather than later.
“The future of the S-League our member association needs to provide governance and direction strong poilicy to take the competition forward, particularly from an education and development point of view.
“Its important to develop a player pathway ensuring quality players are playing in the National League, that we have schools of excellence, and support it with proper policy at the national level,” he says.
Solomon Warriors were the last club to lift the S-League trophy and qualify for the OFC Champions League.
Ends