OFC President and FIFA Vice-President David Chung was joined by national and local dignitaries, villagers, Football Federation Samoa executive committee members and staff as he unveiled the facilities funded through the FIFA Development Office.
The site will act as the regional headquarters for the Football Federation Samoa as they expand their activities to Samoa’s largest island.
On an eight acre plot of land, the regional technical centre is made up of an office, conference room, accommodation, changing rooms, public toilets and a maintenance shed. A full-size international pitch has been marked out as have several smaller ones for youth games.
As he opened the facilities, Chung told the gathered crowd that the event marked a historic milestone for football development in Samoa, especially for the football loving community of Savai’i island.
“This is a day that will leave a legacy long into the future, particularly for the youth,” Chung said.
“The vision of OFC is to popularise football in the region and to encourage the grassroots and youth to participate in well-structured and purposeful activities. Of course, we encourage the identification and development of talent that will ultimately bring quality of playing performance and credibility to the sport but also a wider profile and recognition in the country.
“The Savai’i regional headquarters and technical centre has the major objective to develop football throughout Savai’i island. It is pleasing that the federation’s vision under the leadership of president Toetu Petana has taken the step to decentralise activities and take football to Savai’i.”
The inauguration ceremony included opening remarks from FFA president Savae Togialelei Toetu Petana and a keynote address from Associate Minister to the Prime Minister’s office Peseta Vaifou Tevaga who joined Chung in unveiling the plaque.
A cultural performance kept the guests entertained before the boys and girls participating in the U-12 Savai’I League paraded past on their way to their respective fields for kick-off.
The first round of games were kicked off by OFC President and FIFA Vice-President David Chung, FFS President Toetu Petana, Associate Minister to the Prime Minister’s office Pesata Vaifou Tevaga and Minister of Education, Sports and Culture Magele Mauiliu, with four rounds of games scheduled for the day’s tournament.
These facilities are the second part of the unique FIFA Goal IV Project to be inaugurated this week following the opening ceremony for the new futsal court at J.S. Blatter Complex in Tuanaimato on Friday. The project is unique in that it is the first time the FIFA Development Office in Oceania has combined two projects in one funding programme.
FIFA Development Officer Glenn Turner says it is great seeing the rewards of the Goal programme first hand and the difference they can make in a community like Savai’i.

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