The annual FFAS Private Elementary Schools Soccer League has expanded to lower age groups this year, offering a mixed five-a-side competition for grades one and two.
Parents were excited to give their children the early opportunity to develop football skills and experience being part of a team at the opening day of the league on 18 October.
“What an amazing competition, to see all these kids out here playing, especially the young ones,” said Louis Solaita, a mother to one of the participants.
FFAS CEO Tavita Taumua was pleased with the positive reaction to the new league, something FFAS had been planning and organising for some time.
“That was just one of many, very positive comments from a lot of the parents on the first day of one of our most popular competitions for the elementary level students,” he said.
“Last year we were asked by some schools to include a competition for grades one and two students so we started discussing and planning it.
“To finally see these children enjoy themselves just as much as the parents on our opening day, it was a great feeling for our staff and our association.”
FFAS President Faiivae Iuli Alex Godinet was also impressed with the immediate positive response.
“This competition just gets better and better every year,” he said.
“I want to thank all the private elementary school principals for working together with our staff in making this happen.”
The private schools were briefed on the league expansion last year, and have since managed to provide fourteen teams from seven schools to make up the league.
The grade one and two group play in a mixed gender non-competitive five-a-side tournament.
All games will be held at the Kanana Fou Seminary field in Tafuna every Tuesday and Thursday, until the conclusion of the league on 22 November.
For more on American Samoa football visit www.ffas.as