Pastor Joe Amosa kicked off the opening ceremony with a prayer and words of encouragement followed by speeches from FFS Executive Committee member Emily Young and the only female club President in Savai’i, Tulipe Mata’afa of Vailoa Soccer Club.
The attendees then belted out the Samoan national anthem, their voices ringing with pride echoing the festival’s theme of “Le Lalelei o Samoa”.
Over 100 females donned their free pink FIFA t-shirts to partake in friendly games and activities to improve their goalkeeping, ball control and overall football skills.
Girl power was in full force as 20 female coaches led the activities with male coaches on hand to assist and show their support towards women’s football. Participants were awarded with lucky door prizes including football boots, shirts, shin pads and Adidas bags.
FFS Women’s Development Officer Lynette Laumea-Faaiuaso decided to carry on the theme of the 2014 SIDS conference and Teuila Festival, encouraging Samoan women to continue to celebrate who they are and where they are from.
“As a nation, we successfully showed the world how beautiful our culture is. I think it’s important that we, as Samoan women, continue to embrace our identity each and every day. Let it give you the confidence to achieve your goals, play football and reach for greater heights”.
The Soccer Sisters festival is a local initiative, supported by OFC and FIFA’s Women’s Football Development programme, which strives to promote gender equality and the growth of women’s football worldwide.
Equipment, clothing and financial aid was provided by FIFA to assist with local women’s football development programmes including the Soccer Sisters festival.
“I’d like to thank OFC and FIFA for their continuous support towards women’s football in Samoa. The Soccer Sisters festival is an enjoyable event for all Samoan women and we plan to continue running these, in an effort to encourage females to play football”, states Faaiuaso.
The next Soccer Sisters festival will be held in Upolu next month.
For more on Samoan football go to www.footballsamoa.ws

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