World Footy News

The following media release was provided by AFL Samoa. The tournament was held on Saturday, 25th of Feb.

Last Saturday, AFL Samoa, held Samoa's first AFL tournament, the Motor 1 Aaron Edwards Cup. The event was sponsored by the Motor 1 group and Sa'Moana Resort.

The A team from Lepa-Lotofaga triumphed on the day. They played against Aleipata in a tightly contested grand final. The final score was Aleipata's 3 goals 2 points with a total of 18 points to Lepa/Lotofaga's 4 goals 3 points with a total of 27 points.

A crowd of over 200 people from the local villages turned out to cheer on the teams. Six teams from five different villages competed for the inaugural Cup. Lepa-Lotofaga fielded two teams on the day.

Gabel Stathis, an Australian volunteer working at AFL Samoa as a Development Officer was responsible for organising the tournament.

"Today's tournament is all about opportunity! Another career pathway for the students involved giving them a chance to further their development in the skills of the game. One of these boys playing today could soon be the next Aaron Edwards playing at the top level in Australia."

In attendance on the day were the schools' principals and coaching staff as well as representatives from the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture, the Australian High Commission and a strong contingent of Australian ex-pats.

At the end of the tournament, Australian High Commissioner Dr Stephen Henningham presented the Cup to the winning school.

The tournament was so successful that Mr Stathis and AFL Samoa have already pencilled the event in for next year.

If any schools are interested in being involved they can contact Gabe Stathis from ALF Samoa on +6857293589 or

g.stathis@mesc.gov.ws.

Sa'Moana had kindly donated wst1500 to the event as cash prizes at the end of the Tournament, the places are as follows:

1st Place: Lepa/Lotofaga College- Team 1
2nd Place: Aleipata College
3rd Place: Lepa/Lotofaga Collge- Team 2
4th Place: Palalaua College
5th Place: Falealili College
6th Place: Faleata College

Action from Palalua vs Lepa

Overall winners, the lads from Lepa

Presentations, including Australian High Commissioner, the Lepa Captain as well as AFL Samoa's Mitty Edwards.