From the devastation of a tsunami that swept through American Samoa’s football headquarters in September 2009 has come a story of hope and triumph.
FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter was the first to commend Football Federation American Samoa (FFAS) at Pago Park on Friday during a colourful inauguration ceremony to celebrate the fully refurbished administration block, playing fields and grandstand.
“Never better than in this circumstance is the FIFA slogan valid: Football for Hope,” said President Blatter as over 100 distinguished guests looked on.
“When I see what has happened here on September 29, 2009, and then see what has been realized since then, I can say Football for Hope is not only hope – it is a reality.”
American Samoa’s ‘Home of Football’ was in the direct path of the 2009 tsunami that killed 33 people in the small Island nation including 11 in Pago Pago. The headquarters were badly damaged while FFAS grounds man Paepae Soia Su was lucky to escape with his life after he was swept 100 metres before clinging to a tree for survival.
Paepae became one of those who exemplified the spirit of the community, going straight back to work to lead the clean-up efforts.
FFAS President Alex Iuli Godinet paid tribute to those involved in the rebuilding process which has seen the completion of two international playing fields and four changing rooms, the refurbishment of the grandstand with medical and cafe facilities, and the rehabilitation of administrative, maintenance and executive offices.
“The rebuilding has been hard work but may this experience live on as an example of what our community can achieve together in the face of hardship,” said President Godinet following a traditional opening prayer by Rev. Ioane Evagelia, who earlier spoke of the importance of making the right choices in life.
With ribbons, balloons and gifts aplenty, guests enjoyed the spectacle beneath decorated marquees adjacent to the freshly mown fields. OFC Acting President David Chung shared his thoughts on what the new-and-improved headquarters will mean for the wider community.
“As football is more than a game, this facility is more than just an academy. It is a place of learning for players, coaches, referees and administrators; a place where families can come together through football and our young people can develop skills to become better citizens.”

Nestled between spectacular peaked mountains, the FFAS headquarters was first constructed in 2007 after phase I of the FIFA Goal Project was approved and USD 868,000 worth of FIFA and OFC funding was put towards the project. Phase II was approved on 2 June 2009 but the tsunami tragedy in September halted all development efforts.
The response from FIFA and OFC was immediate with a further USD 400,000 pledged to FFAS for the rehabilitation. Works commenced on 7 July 2010 by contractors Vuksich and Borich, Paramount Construction Ltd. and Perelini Consultants Ltd. as FIFA Development Manager for Oceania Serge Dumortier and FIFA Development Officer Glenn Turner managed the ambitious venture. With the addition of insurance money, the total value of the project came to an impressive USD 1.2 million.
Governor Togiola Tulafono was quick to acknowledge the continued support of the regional and international governing bodies.
“We are very proud to be part of FIFA and OFC and to help develop the sport of football in American Samoa. And we are most grateful that you have made the long journey to be here today when we celebrate in reopening this field,” said Governor Tulafono, amid applause from the guests.
Also in attendance were the 11 Member Association Presidents of OFC and other delegates who will be involved in the 21st OFC Ordinary Congress on Saturday.
In all, it was a memorable occasion as guests took time to reflect on past events and look forward to future successes. And most importantly, it celebrated the fighting spirit of a community who have, in the face of adversity, come through with impenetrable strength, character and solidarity.