THE Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) is making big moves in developing future football stars.
Following FIFA’s 2020 ecosystem analysis, which reviewed strengths and weaknesses of football structures worldwide, SIFF identified key areas to improve on, including national teams, talent identification, domestic competitions and academies.
SIFF Technical Director Moses Toata said with support from FIFA, the academy project was pursued under FIFA’s Talent Development Scheme (TDS) and will be launched sometimes in February.
With guidance from FIFA High-Performance Expert April Heinrichs, the football governing body has deployed a Football Talent Identification Coach Jake Stephenson, who is in the country on a one-year contract setting the ground alongside the SIFF Technical Team.
The academy concept is to focus on finding, training and preparing top talents for elite competitions to build a stronger national team by developing and nurturing young talent.
To achieve this, SIFF has recruited an Academy Manager, Head Coach, Assistant Coaches and a JICA (Japanese International Cooperation Agency) volunteer, who is assigned to support the academy setup.
FIFA’s development experts continue to assist in ensuring the academy reaches its full potential.
This week, eight U-15 talents from Malaita, Central, Western and Choiseul Provinces were identified during the 2024 Iumi Play Championship.
They are now in Honiara, where SIFF Academy will accommodate them and arrange their academic schooling. These young players are the pioneers of the project.
With this structured programme in place, SIFF is confident that Solomon Islands football will see long-term success on the international stage.
– SIFF
Photo caption: From left: Academy Goalkeeper Coach Erick Wanega, Academy Head Coach Henry Fa’arodo Jr, JICA Volunteer Football Coach, Kanto Academy Assistant Coach Ian Lagwai, SIFF Technical Director Moses Toata, Academy Manager Jonathan Bilio and FIFA Talent Identification Coach Jake Stephenson
