Vaiala Beach Primary School secured victory in the under-14 grade of the Farmer Joe Primary School Netball Tournament at the Tuanaimato Sports Complex on Friday.

The two-day tournament had eight schools from Upolu competing.

The team displayed excellent skills and teamwork, winning most of their matches and taking home the tournament trophy after scoring 3-1 against the hardworking Samoa Primary School.

The coach of Vaiala Beach Ela Boy praised their team's dedication and hard work. She highlighted the children's commitment to training and their positive attitude towards great sportsmanship.

"We give glory to our heavenly father for blessing all the children of Samoa who are here to participate in this year's tournament," she said.

"I've seen how my team was dedicated to their training and it is a celebration for our school and for all schools that participated." 

In this year's tournament, the schools that participated included four private schools, two church schools and two government schools, Vailima Primary School and Fagalii Primary School. The 29 teams from the eight schools were split into four divisions, U10, U12 , U14 girls and boys. 

The Samoa Netball Association is also pushing gender inclusivity for school tournaments to encourage and inspire young people that netball is for everyone and not just for girls.

Breaking barriers and stereotypes in the sports, the Samoa Netball Association has introduced the boys' category in this year’s tournament. The reception from the schools for the boy's grade was very good and there is plan to include boys into other age grade nect year.

Organiser Justine Ata stated that the future is bright for netball in Samoa. Justine said such competitions are where the future national players are identified and Samoa can be a netball powerhouse.

“We encourage kids to participate in any sort of sports and netball is not just a female sport,” said Justine.

There is also a plan to have zonal competitions to allow schools from Savaii and rural areas to compete and then have a national competition.