More than 100 women and girls turned up in numbers for their respective teams participating in the Women’s pre-season football competition started on independence day at Lawson Tama Stadium in Honiara.
Twelve (12) teams taking part in the competition attracted women from different backgrounds, races and age groups which is termed by the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) president, William Lai as a new era for women’s football in the country.
“Women’s football has had encountered many challenges over the years but this competition has shown that we can grow our women’s game to a higher level,” Lai said.
“It is encouraging to see players from various racial background showing interest and passion for football.”
A dominant force in women’s football domestically, WanSOL football club is happy to see football finally return after the postponement of football due to the COVID-19.
“The club we’ve been in existence since 2018 our motto is empowering women in football. So events like this are good because it gives the girls an opportunity to come out and to put into practice what the girls have in place,” WanSol club manager, Ila Tura said.
“The real idea is to get girls out to be part of the community, learned about team, friendship and it empowers them to have positive attitudes towards life.”
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) fielded two teams into the competition and their team manager Grace Hilly was pleased with her girls’ attitude in the competition and what it means to the team take part in the pre-season.
“Both our teams played very well on an opening day since we only had two weeks of training. Majority they know how to play, there is a few that this is the first time for them to play,” Grace stated.
“It’s an opportunity for our women to come out and be part of this event. Football is a beautiful platform for women to keep healthy and meet other women.
“I hope this tournament will attract other clubs to participate to support women football development in the Solomon Islands.”
Koloale FC is the dominant side on matchday one and player-coach Crystal Bakolo was happy to see more women come out in numbers for their respective teams.
“I think such a tournament will help prepare girls for the upcoming league so by having this tournament is very helpful especially for us girls,” the national rep said.
Meanwhile, the Women’s pre-season league will continue tomorrow at Lawson Tama.
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