The Solomon Islands Football Federation has welcomed a generous donation of sporting goods, worth SBD210,000 from the Australian Government, through the Australian High Commission.
The donation, which will benefit the ten women’s teams competing in the Solrais Women’s Premier League, was made by Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Dr Lachlan Strahan at Lawson Tama Stadium last week.
Equipment included sports bras, shoes, socks, footballs, goal nets and shin pads for all 25 members of each of the ten Women’s Premier League teams.
Australia Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Sports Diplomacy Officer, Tamara Priddle, said the donation came from regular interaction with the Solomon Islands Football Federation.
“We have identified the need to support the Women’s league, who do not have the proper equipment to train and compete,” she said.
“We were excited to see the women’s league developed, providing an opportunity for young women to compete and develop their skills. We are proud to support their development and participation in the league.”
Women’s League board member, Diana Taison, said the donation in kind will boost each of the ten clubs, with the 25 pairs of boots per club of significant note.
“There will be no more sharing of boots at games and all players owning a pair and calling it their own is more than we could ask for,” she said.
Taison said the development of women’s football has been a challenge, and the timely support from the Australian Government will provide a huge boost in terms of building participation.
“Since trying to up the level and standard of women’s football to be more competitive both locally and internationally, it was felt that it would be a near impossible task unless we got some serious assistance.
“It all started from the visit of the Junior Matilda’s to Solomon Islands back in 2019. Now, this donation to women’s football through mutual arrangement between SIFF President, Solomon Islands Government and the Australian Government has come as a huge blessing for women’s football.
“We hope the training equipment will motivate clubs, coaches and players to be creative and bring in the modern style of training and to boost their performance.”
