A total of 105 teams from 22 registered clubs in Upolu will be dusting off their boots to compete for a win in this year’s Youth league competition.

The tournament kicked off on Saturday at the Football Federation Samoa (FFS) Headquarters at Tuanaimato. The Upolu Youth league has been on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its various restrictions that were imposed by the Government over the last two and a half years.

The youth league is for a period of 22 weeks and concludes in the month of July. The event was attended by 105 teams from 18 registered clubs in Upolu who are all aiming for first place in the boys’ and girls’ categories.

The annual Upolu Youth League, with its overall objective of ensuring there is healthy competition to develop and nurture grass root football for youths by providing these opportunities to participate in a competitive but overall fun environment.

In addition, the youth leagues will also look at developing the capabilities and skills of club coaches to enable them to carry out their duties efficiently.

FFS Competition Manager Papalii Laautuivanu, who highlighted the significance of the tournament, said the 22-week tournament was designed for the youth as an opportunity to learn more about the game, its laws, the format of the competitions, and the way FFS administers its games.

The Upolu Youth League is the sole competition for registered clubs in Upolu. A similar tournament for Savai'i will start in the upcoming months. The two separate tournaments for Upolu and Savaii can further grow and develop players since FFS Annual Youth tournaments have been on break for a year.

“It is important that we have two main youth tournaments so that we can restart developing our players,” said Laatuivanu.

“The Upolu Youth League tournament is a combination of Samoa’s, passion for football, competitiveness, and desire to win. It also helps a child in his ability with sports in general, namely football to promote understanding and friendship amongst young players.”