Samoa Football Federation launches ST$8m Sports Facility

Taking part in the ground breaking were Caretaker Prime Minister Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi, Reverend Semikueva Faatoafe EFKS Moataa, FFS President Papalii Samuelu Petaia, Alan Schwalger and Brian Westerland.

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 05 MARCH 2021: The Football Federation of Samoa (FFS) has launched an ST$8 million sports complex at Apia Park.

The project funded by the Football International Federation Association (FIFA) is the biggest sporting project by any sports body in Samoa.

FFS approached Cabinet in 2019 with a request to use part of the Apia Park Sports Complex for their activities.

Cabinet accepted and approved the request which took a year of planning, feasibility studies and securing funds.

The project broke ground yesterday and the Facility will comprise of 3 full size football fields and 3 additional mini football pitches to cater for the youth and training.

The main football field will be of international standard and can be used for international games.

The field is expected to be used as a shared facility with other sports with the main focus on football.

“This development will enable Samoa to continue to host all football events in the region,” said Tuilaepa.

“The project will add to the existing national headquarters and Stadium, another impressive development at the time, and it shows the Government’s continued commitment to the development of sports in the country,” said Tuilaepa.

He said sport is cross-cutting across priority areas such as in health, education and community development.

“The priority Government accords sports is due to the belief that the growth of sports from grassroots through to the youth and beyond, will lead to a healthy and prosperous nation, thus achieving the vision of the Governments Strategy of Accelerating Sustainable Development and Broadening Opportunities for All.”

He believes FIFA’s support in funding the project indicates their commitment to Samoa’s potential and the Government acknowledges the continuing support and commitment of FIFA and other donor partners towards the development of football in Samoa.