FFS technical director Tunoa Lui and referee’s instructor Atufili Talaia facilitated the three-day course with the help of two national team players. The much-anticipated course was also supported by the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture (MESC).
“It’s great that we were able to conduct this course in Savaii,” Talaia says.
“We can see that the participants have the talent and some knowledge of the game. What they need to learn now is the basic rules on how to be a good referee.”
Participants from the villages of Sapapalii and Lalomalava were taught all about the laws of the game and the duties of a referee.
Leuelu Talisau, MESC project manager, was very pleased with the turnout.
“It’s important that each village in Savaii learns the rules relating to the game of football. There is a big emphasis from the ministry on seeing the programme continue to grow in Savaii,” Talisau says.
“In November, we will select more villages to run this programme and then again next year. Football is very popular around the world and it is important that the game develops, especially here in Savaii.”
After hearing all the theory behind the laws of the game, the participants got the chance to put what they had learned into practice with a series of practical sessions.
“It’s a great opportunity to have this training here in Savaii,” says Taulupe Toleafoa, one of the budding referees who took part.
“We have learned a lot in regards to the rules. This course will help us to be good referees and to lead the game.”
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