The process of recruiting national players to Australia marks a significant step in the development of football as national team head coach Josh Smith opened up about his vision of finding players with both the skill and mindset to succeed.
Over four months of international competitions and training camps, Smith and his technical team—both in the Solomon Islands and Australia—scouted players.
They built detailed player profiles using match footage and performance data, which were then presented to Australian clubs ahead of the 2025 season.
This thorough approach has ensured that the selected players were well-prepared for the challenges of professional football abroad.
“Each player brings something different to the table, and different clubs were interested for different reasons. However, what unites them is their willingness to step outside their comfort zone in pursuit of a better future in football.
“That mindset is why they are the first group to land in Australia and begin this journey.
He then highlighted the significance of this move for Solomon Islands football.
“This is a huge step in the right direction for our football.
“Many people want to see our players go straight to Europe, but it’s about ensuring they take the right steps when they’re ready.
“Playing in Europe can be extremely challenging—cold climates, difficult living conditions, and language barriers can all impact a player’s ability to adapt. The ultimate goal is Europe, but we need to prepare our players properly so they don’t return after just half a season.
The Player Performance Project (PPP) in Adelaide played a crucial role in facilitating these transfers. The PPP team, which includes physiotherapists, sports scientists, and data analysts, worked behind the scenes to support the players throughout the process.
From visa applications to securing training facilities, the PPP team ensured everything was in place for the players to succeed.
“Three or four months isn’t enough to fully implement an effective culture, playing style, and standards at the national level, but we saw glimpses of what this squad is capable of.
“The real benefits will come if we continue on this path, with solid investment in player development and coaching resources.
Securing these opportunities wasn’t without its challenges – funding was a major hurdle, particularly around visa and flight costs.
However, with support from the Australian High Commission in Honiara, the team was able to overcome these obstacles.
Smith also emphasized the need for sustainable pathways to ensure more players can follow in the future.
With his vision, he plans to launch the National Elite Development Program in Honiara, which will include a squad of around 25 players. The program will focus on physical, technical, and mental development, ensuring a new group of players is ready to step up when the time comes.
Additionally, Smith aims to support S-League coaches by bringing in high-level professionals to run workshops and share strategies.
“This year, I want to support S-League coaches as much as possible, potentially bringing in high-level professional coaches to run workshops and provide them with more strategies to develop players within the constraints they face.
Smith and his team will continue to travel to Australia to build relationships with clubs and expand their network.
A trip to New Zealand is also on the cards, to create more opportunities for Solomon Islands players.
-SIFF Media
