Rugby coaches from the village of Malaemalu in Falealili celebrating Samoa's 60th Independence anniversary by offering training for the children of the village. 

Sikisune Mao Iosua of Malaemalu told Samoa Observer that he and his colleague Tonipo Tumani Aiga were happy to spend the day to train the young children. 

"We are probably the biggest team of interested children in rugby in Falealili, and we have the most girls, " said Sikisune.

"Four villages went to the coaching sessions by the Rugby Union, from Falealili. The other villages include Salesatele, Satalo and Sapunaoa."

"As you can see here, the parents are definitely supportive of the kids playing rugby. We have a lot of children playing compared to the other villages."

Asked how long the program has been running, the coach said it has only been a week since they received their rugby balls and other sporting gear. 

"It has just been a week since we received the rugby balls and other gear that we use for training so the program is already popular among the children," he said. 

Mr Iosua added that the village of Malaela woke up in the early hours of Wednesday to start their independence march, followed by a church service then the raising of the flag.

"Everyone was up early, we had a march then the church was full. The flag ceremony was done after the church service, then the village had some food. Now we are having games with the children," he said. 

The coach indicated that there was also plenty of interest from the young girls in the village to play rugby.

"It is very good that the girls are interested in playing rugby, we have a lot of talented young  girls who want to play so this is an opportunity for them to show their talents," he said. 

Further down the district, Salani teenagers were going home from their village celebrations. 

Vaalotu, D.J., Lakisa, Fili, Isaako and Taeao were proud to tell the Samoa Observer that they got up early to march alongside their peers and families before a service was held at the church. 

"We marched with our families, and then there was a church service which everyone attended. After that we raised the flag of Samoa," Vaalotu said. 

The other children who are in their teens were also delighted to celebrate Samoa's 60th Independence anniversary. 

Asked what they wanted to say to Samoans about the day, they all called out in unison,

" Manuia le aso Tutoatasi ma le sisigafu'a Samoa," ( Happy independence and flag raising day Samoa).