HONIARA – Dreamtime Shipping Company has committed $30,000.00 toward the development of a junior football league in Honiara the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) announced yesterday.
Speaking during the opening of the Dreamtime Youth League, SIFF President Martin Alufurai praised Dreamtime Shipping for taking a bold step to fund the youth league in the face of the current economic recession.
"SIFF is privileged to have a partnership with a company like Dreamtime willingly to ensure children are able to play in a soccer and live healthy lives.
Developing the youth of the Solomon Islands is one of SIFF’s key priorities.
One day, the players in the Dreamtime League would be selected for the various levels of national teams including U17s, U20s, U23 and eventually the senior national team," Alufurai told the media.
Almost 30 teams registered and are currently competing in the league in the Under 12 and 15 categories.
The league is open to both boys and girls however, there are no girls team in the Under 12 group.
Since the inauguration of the competition some three weeks ago, interest has been high and the Solomon Islands Football Federation Academy is always packed with kids, their parents, teachers and supporters.
Dreamtime Shipping Company has been involved in sponsoring soccer teams in the past especially in Makira Province where they are operating their shipping service.
One of the company directors Mrs. Martha Belden spoke during the launching of the league.
"The aim is to expand our sponsorship to include the other provinces in Solomon Islands.
We want to enable more kids across the Solomon Islands archipelago to play in properly organised leagues," Belden said.
Belden said the company’s slogan ‘Bridging the Islands’ fits in well with this notion and the success of the league in Honiara will determine the future of this commitment.
"Given the support, it will go to any length to satisfy the needs and aspirations of Solomon Islands. This country is well known for being very passionate and committed to soccer, a game everyone here love and adore," said SIFF General Secretary Eddie Ngava.
Dreamtime Shipping Company’s financial assistance will pay for the administration, prizes and other expenses related to the soccer league.
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Dare to Dream: Dreamtime Shipping Company has invested $30,000.00 into the Dreamtime Youth League