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Welcome to World Footy News Wednesday, November 20 2024 @ 07:05 am ACDT

Samoa's First AFL tournament - Press Release

Oceania

The first AFL tournament in Samoa will be held on Saturday 25 of February. AFL Samoa will be holding a competition for village schools across Upolu. Five schools will be competing for the inaugural Aaron Edwards Cup. The competition is named after the one and only Samoan AFL star playing with the North Melbourne Football Club.

Mr Gabel Stathis, development officer for AFL in Samoa is excited about the prospect of bringing the game of AFL to Samoans. “This is an exciting time for Australian football in Samoa as it’s another step forward in the development of the game. It is a game which I think Samoans will excel at because it requires flair, agility and endurance,” Mr Stathis said.

“Not only is this tournament about developing AFL, it is also a vehicle for the promotion of a healthy lifestyle.

“More than 20 per cent of the population said they do very little or no physical activity, so I hope to use the game of AFL to encourage kids to be more involved in sport and exercise. It’s a fun game which both boys and girls can excel at.”

The tournament will start at 9 am and finish at 4:30pm, presentations will be at the conclusion of the tournament. As many of the schools competing are from the south coast the cup is to be held at Lepa-Lotofaga village, on the college ground.

Mr Ulisese Lole, coach of the Lepa-Lotofaga college team said the students had been enthusiastic about playing the new game of AFL.

“It will be good development for the schools, especially for the young kids.” Mr Lole.

“AFL provides a chance for Samoan’s to play the sport at a high level and make money for their families.”

Late last year, Mr Lole received training from AFL Samoa to become a level 1 accredited AFL coach.

A good showing of ex-patriot Australian’s and local Samoan communities are expected at the tournament. They will be able to watch potential AFL superstars walk in the footsteps of the tournament’s name sake Aaron Edwards. For more information please contact, AFL Samoa’s Development Officer Gabel Stathis on (685) 7293589 or g.stathis@mesc.gov.ws.