The main purpose of the visit was to help the community of a small village as it looks to rebuild following the tsunami that struck Samoa and many other Pacific Island nations in 2009. But the students also got the chance to show off their football skills when they took on the men’s and women’s national teams at the end of their stay.
The Wanganui City Council began a project 18 months ago in Satitoa, a village on the island of Upolu that had been badly affected by the tsunami, and the youngsters from the city’s college were charged with carrying on that work during last month’s trip.
A group of 30, both boys and girls, took part in the continuation of the Satitoa project, the main task of which was to build a new playground for the Satitoa Primary School. The students also pulled down some damaged buildings that were still standing after the tsunami but were no longer suitable for use.
As a reward for their fine work, the college teams were given an opportunity to play two games over two days against the men’s and women’s national training squads of Samoa.
In the opening men’s match, the youthful Wanganui players surprisingly took the lead against their elders after only a quarter of an hour. But, despite the shock of the early setback, Samoa rallied to take control and were 3-1 ahead by the half-time whistle.
The hosts went on to win 4-1 and had a far smoother ride to victory in the second match, picking up a 10-0 win.
The Samoa women’s team also performed much better in their second effort, winning the first match 5-0 and the second 12-1.
Wanganui coach David Van Zanten was pleased to be able to bring his players to Samoa and feels the trip was a success.
“Although we are from a different part of the world, we can still come here and help out the community,” he said.
“On the football side, we are thrilled that we were given the opportunity to take on the men’s and women’s national sides. Our teams are unbeaten back home but to come here and play is something I am sure the players will remember and cherish for a long time.”
Football Federation Samoa acting CEO Sarai Bareman was full of praise for the important work completed by the Wanganui students at Satitoa.
“It has been an honour to host the teams from Wanganui College and we are humbled by the kindness and support they have shown to our country, especially those in Satitoa,” Bareman said.
“Their presence has also provided a great opportunity for our training squads to have a run against overseas players. The scorelines do not accurately reflect the challenge the Wanganui teams gave our national squads.
“They have some very talented young players and we wish the teams, players and supporters all the best in their future endeavours.”
For more on Samoan football go to www.footballsamoa.ws