Football Federation American Samoa have celebrated Independence Day in true football fashion, holding their annual tournament to launch the 2017 FFAS Summer Youth League today.
The opening day saw over 600 children and youth participate in 62 teams – a significant increase in participation compared to last year’s league – and FFAS President Sen. Faiivae Iuli Alex Godinet expressed his excitement about the impressive turnout as he officially opened the league.
“It is great to see a big increase of teams competing in this year’s competition,” he said.
“Good luck to all teams and remember the main point is for all of you to have fun during our competition for the youth.”
FFAS CEO Tavita Taumua was also pleased with the turnout and credited the hard work of his team for creating more opportunities for children and youth to enjoy and develop in football.
“Last year we had about 40 teams, and this year that number has increased to 62. That is a big jump in numbers for us,” he said.
“It is a good sign that our development is growing, and seeing the youth compete with their parents urging them on makes all this hard work worth it for FFAS and our staff.”
The league offers non-competitive football for the 4-6th grade mixed division, 7-9th grade mixed division, 10-12th grade boys division and 10-12th grade girls division.
The 13-15th grade boys division will play one round-robin competition with the top four teams continuing to a play-off round to determine the division winner.
The 13-15th grade girls division will also play a round-robin competition, but will instead play two rounds and determine the winner based on points at the end of the competition.
The 2017 2017 FFAS Summer Youth League will run throughout the three-month school summer break.