Former futsal stars unite to nurture future Kurukuru talents through new grassroots development programme
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Former Kurukuru legends have joined forces to inspire the next generation of futsal players following the official launch of the Brilliant Bullets Futsal Club School of Excellence in Honiara on Saturday.
The launch, held at the Multi-purpose Hall outdoor court on June 6, attracted hundreds of young futsal players, parents, officials from the Honiara City Council (HCC) and Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF), along with former Kurukuru stars including Elliot Ragomo, Jeffrey Bule and Francis Lafai.
The official launching programme featured welcome remarks by former Kurukuru player Jeffrey Bule, speeches from club representatives, HCC and SIFF officials, before the programme was officially declared open by a SIFF representative.
Founder and President of Brilliant Bullets FC, Jimmy Henry, said the initiative is a long-term grassroots development programme that aims to groom future futsal talents in Solomon Islands.
“This project is projected for 10 years.
“We will roll out the program in 10-week sessions every Saturday from 9am to 11am. The main objective is to train, develop and excel young players who attend this School of Excellence,” Henry said.
The program caters for Under-10, Under-12, Under-14 and Under-16 divisions for both boys and girls.
Henry said the initiative focuses not only on futsal development but also on building young people mentally, physically and spiritually.
“In terms of development, this program is to develop the kids spiritually, physically and mentally. This is one of the pillars of the School of Excellence,” he said.
He said the club is currently using the Multi-purpose Hall facility through its affiliation with the Honiara City Council Sports Council under the umbrella of SIFF, with training currently limited to Saturday mornings because of venue availability.
Registration is set at $100, which covers the full 10-week training program and includes a free training shirt.
Henry said the involvement of former Kurukuru players is central to the initiative’s mission of giving back to the sport and community.
“The former Kurukuru players came together with this initiative because there is a need to continue developing the sport so Solomon Islands can remain competitive in the region,” he said.
Former Kurukuru star Elliot Ragomo said the program is about creating opportunities for children who may not have had the chance to play futsal before.
“We want to share the knowledge and experience we have acquired to help the future generation.
“What these kids are going through now is also how we started, and now it is our responsibility to help them begin their journey as well,” Ragomo said.
Ragomo said futsal had shaped his life and opened many opportunities during his career with the Kurukuru national team.
“I think it is now time for me to come back and help give back to the kids and the community by sharing what I have experienced,”
“You never know — one of these kids here today could one day help Kurukuru win a World Cup in the future,” he said.
The Brilliant Bullets FC School of Excellence will continue every Saturday at the Multi-purpose Hall outdoor court as organisers look to strengthen grassroots futsal development in Honiara.
The initiative comes as Solomon Islands continues to build on its strong futsal reputation in Oceania through grassroots development and youth participation, with former national representatives now stepping forward to mentor and guide the next generation of players.
Photo: Supplied
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