SIFF to pilot MSG-backed football development programme in schools
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
The Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) has entered into a landmark partnership with the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat to roll out a new school football development program that aims to promote education, health, gender equality and youth empowerment in the country.
The initiative, which will run for 18 months, is regarded as the first of its kind in the Melanesian region and will see football used as a tool to address social and development challenges at grassroots level.
Funded by FIFA, the program will be administered by the MSG Secretariat while SIFF will take charge of implementation in Solomon Islands in partnership with five selected schools and the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD).
The project is also expected to serve as a lasting legacy of the MSG Prime Ministers’ Cup tournament hosted in Solomon Islands.
Acting Director General of MSG, Ilan Kiloe, described the partnership as a significant milestone for both the region and the development of football in Melanesia.
“This partnership marks the first of its kind for the MSG Secretariat and represents a significant milestone in the establishment of the Melanesia Cup in Solomon Islands,” Kiloe said.
Under the program, football activities will be integrated into school-based learning and development programs with strong emphasis placed on education, healthy living, gender equality and youth engagement.
The initiative will also focus on coach and teacher training, capacity building and monitoring the social impact of the program in participating schools.
SIFF President Donald Marahare said football continues to play an important role beyond the playing field and can help shape positive outcomes for young people.
“Football has the unique ability to transform lives, and this partnership guarantees that this potential reaches our classrooms and playing fields,” Marahare said.
He said SIFF was honoured by the confidence shown by FIFA and the MSG Secretariat in allowing Solomon Islands to pilot the pioneering initiative.
“We appreciate the trust placed in SIFF by the MSG Secretariat and FIFA to pilot this initiative. With the backing of the Ministry of Education, we will showcase how football can be a pivotal force for youth development across Melanesia,” he added.
The program is expected to commence later this year with participating schools to be confirmed by SIFF and education authorities.
The MSG Prime Ministers’ Cup tournament was revived as part of efforts to strengthen regional cooperation and sporting ties among Melanesian countries, with Solomon Islands hosting the latest edition. The new football-for-development initiative is now expected to extend the tournament’s impact beyond competition and into communities and classrooms across the country.
Photo credit: SIFF Fb page
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