The Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) Iumi Play programme reached Auki this week as part of the rollout of the grassroots football development across the country.
The rollout in the Malaita capital started with a three-day workshop centre’s coordinators conducted by the SIFF Technical Director, Moses Toata.
David Fiumae, Auki development centre coordinator carry out a demonstration training session to conclude the rollout event today at Auki Primary School for children from surrounding areas in Auki witnessed by the public in Auki.
The demonstration training was witnessed by SIFF President William Lai, Malaita Daniel Suidani, Joshua Keniore Outstation Manager for Solomon Power, Malaita Football Association (MFA) President Eddie Omokirio and other important guests from the Malaita Provincial Government.
SIFF President William Lai said in his remarks the Iumi Play programme creates a new chapter in football development in the country’s most populated province.
“Football is a game that should be enjoyed by everyone and SIFF made a huge undertaking to create this programme which covers all the 50 constituencies in the country with Malaita having the highest number of centres,” he said.
“I believe football can unite the country and it is the very reason we want the programme to cover the entire nation. A program of such magnitude has its challenges but I trust it will not fail because of everyone’s passion for the game”.
Lai called on everyone involved to do their best in the delivery of his programme to develop the young generation of footballers to realize their dreams in football.
“I look forward to seeing players from this programme reaching the top level,” he added.
“The children are the future of this nation and I want you to grow in football with friendship and discipline in order to take football forward”.
The SIFF President also acknowledges the Malaita Provincial Government, Malaita Football Association and major sponsors Solomon Power for supporting the programme.
President Lai is hopeful that in the future with more partnerships, the development of football in Malaita will get even better.
Speaking on behalf of the Chairman of the Board of directors and the staff of Solomon Power, Joshua Keniore is happy to witness the handover ceremony of equipment by SIFF to MFA and to see that the programme kick-off in Malaita.
“Solomon Power is about Nation-building and as part of its social responsibility, Solomon Power takes great pride to be partners of this initiative to help with the development of football for our children throughout the country,” he said.
“We want to see changes in our communities and we believe our contribution through football development will impact many lives”.
Malaita Premier, Daniel Suidani summed up the program with a strong emphasis on football being a tool for social development.
“On behalf of my government and people of Malaita, we greatly appreciate the work and effort behind this development program,” Suidani said.
“Football is indeed a sport that binds this nation and particularly Malaita.
“I would like to thank SIFF President William Lai and his technical team for bringing the programme to Malaita and extended his gratitude to the major sponsors of this program Solomon Power.
“Football, as we know, means so much to the people of Malaita and I am happy to see there is a growing number of boys and girls who are interested in the sport.
“Football can fix a lot of our social problems and I want to see football grow into the future. I support the call for future partnerships that will strengthen such programme like this that will bring social cohesion in our society”.
The Malaita Premier challenged each of the Centre Coordinators and coaches to make use of the equipment that they receive to maximize the benefit of this opportunity to our children and youths.
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