- Paul Turner praises football passion, women’s success and dreams of future global qualification
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Solomon Islands may not be among the 2026 FIFA World Cup nations, but its football passion, energy and community spirit have earned international recognition, with British High Commissioner His Excellency Paul Turner describing the country as having the heart of a World Cup host.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Island Sun Sports at the British High Commission chancery office in Honiara yesterday, Turner said the enthusiasm shown by Solomon Islanders during the World Cup period was what inspired him to write his recent opinion piece highlighting the nation’s love for football.
Turner said the excitement among fans adopting different national teams for the tournament demonstrated the unique football culture that exists in Solomon Islands.
“I think the people in Honiara sort of inspired me to write the opinion piece. I was very much taken by the enthusiasm and energy that people had with the beginning of the World Cup,” Turner said.
“For me, it was very touching that people were adopting different teams and different countries for the tournament.”
The British High Commissioner said unlike many Pacific nations where other sports dominate, football has a special place in Solomon Islands society.
“Solomon Islands is unique in the Pacific because football, soccer, is worshipped here,” he said.
“In other Pacific islands it is different sports. Fiji, its rugby union, PNG, its rugby league, and it can be Aussie Rules football in other islands. But here it very clearly is football.”
Turner said the country’s passion for football, including the English Premier League, has stood out since his arrival in Solomon Islands.
“The amount of enthusiasm there is for the English Premiership has really struck me since I arrived about a year and a half ago,” he said.
Although Solomon Islands does not have the infrastructure to host a FIFA World Cup, Turner believes the country’s football spirit deserves greater recognition and opportunities to participate on the global stage.
“I do think more should be done so that you can partake in these kind of international football tournaments,” he said.
Women’s football success a national moment
The High Commissioner also highlighted the importance of Solomon Islands’ historic women’s football achievements, particularly the OFC Women’s Nations Cup victory last year.
Turner said the success went beyond sport, describing it as an important moment that brought the nation together while empowering young women and girls.
“When your women’s team won the Oceania Cup last year, which was the same time as the English football team won the European Championship, I felt that was a hugely important thing for this country,” he said.
“Not just for empowering young women and girls, which sport does, but also just in terms of bringing the nation together.”
He said the atmosphere witnessed during the recent World Cup Fan Parade reflected the same national excitement and pride.
“It was great to see young women out, obviously lots of young men, but of all ages,” he said.
“What I saw on that fan parade just a few weekends ago was that same feeling of euphoria and excitement which was very captivating.”
Football strengthening UK-Solomon Islands links
Turner said football continues to play an important role in strengthening people-to-people connections between the United Kingdom and Solomon Islands.
He said the UK has supported football development locally, particularly through assistance towards women’s football.
“One area which I think in terms of soft power where we have a really enduring relationship is sport and particularly football,” he said.
“Over the years the UK has played a very big part in helping grow football here, particularly helping provide kit and equipment for young women’s teams.”
Turner added that the support was not only about equipment but also creating opportunities for young athletes.
“We have also helped enable young women to go on sports scholarships to other countries,” he said.
Looking ahead, Turner said he hopes to continue building football connections between the two countries, including exploring opportunities to bring English Premier League representation to Solomon Islands.
“I’d love to try and get an English Premiership player here if that’s possible. I’m going to keep trying and hopefully we can build on those relationships more and more,” he said.
Message to Solomon Islands football fans
With the World Cup excitement continuing, Turner encourages Solomon Islands supporters to enjoy the tournament while continuing to invest in grassroots football.
“Support England, support Scotland, and if you can’t support them and have to support Brazil, I do understand because most Solomon Islands seem to be supporting Brazil and then England,” he joked.
“But enjoy it, get behind whatever team you want to win, but also keep playing it.”
“Encourage your young boys and girls to be playing football and one day having a dream of actually representing their country.”
The interview followed recent social media posts by the British High Commission in Solomon Islands featuring High Commissioner Paul Turner’s reflections on Solomon Islands’ football passion, the FIFA World Cup, the national enthusiasm during the World Cup Fan Parade, and the country’s women’s football achievements.
Turner’s comments come as Solomon Islands continues to grow its football presence in the Oceania region, following increased attention on women’s football and the country’s ongoing ambition to compete at the highest international level.
Photo credit: Richard Menanopo
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