The Samoa International Cricket Association on Monday started a one-day cricket tournament yesterday for young players under the age of 12 from four private primary schools in the country.

A representative of the Samoa International Cricket Association, Ms. Kalala Tanuvasa said the initiative is to = boost the growth and development pathway of international cricket in Samoa by targeting young players at the grassroots level.

"We believe that growth starts from an early age, this is the reason why the association is hosting tournaments such as this one to promote the game to younger generations , not only for the growth of international cricket but it can be a career path for those who're interested in pursuing the game as a full-time occupation in the future," said Tanuvasa.

She added that there will also be a three-day tournament for children aged 15 and under for the same four primary schools vying in the under-12 one-day competition.

"The tournament for the under-15s will kick off tomorrow and will finish on Friday. And I would like to thank all the four schools for accepting our invitation to play in the event, because their participation has confirmed that there is a keen interest in the sport among the young ones," stated Tanuvasa.

There were four private primary schools competing in the under-12 tournament, Vaiala Beach School, Mount Zion Primary School, Manumalo Baptist School from Vaisigano, and Peace Chapel Primary School in Vaimoso. Three schools fielded 2 of each girls and boys teams except for Vaiala Beach School who was only able to field their boys team.

One of the players from Peace Chapel's boys team, a skilled batsman, Afa Tuiloma, said that he loves the game even though he just started playing a year ago.

"Before I started playing I thought cricket was a dull and boring sport. But when our teachers introduced us (boys team) last year, the only thing I did not like about it at first was the game had to be played in the sun," he said with a laugh.

The young man also said that he'd love to represent Samoa in the future and play for the national cricket team. 

"I'm going to continue playing and try my best and hopefully get selected to represent Samoa in the future on the international cricket stage," he said.