Vonunu in South Vella Western Province will be buzzing with excitement as the community sets to host a first-ever Under-14 tournament starting Thursday April 24.
The event is being described as a landmark event that brings national-level football directly to local doorsteps.
Organised by the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF), the two-day tournament will feature nine teams in total, five boys’ teams and four girls’ teams representing a strong and growing interest in youth football across the southern region.
Western Football Association (WFA) President John Smith Pitabelama told Star Sports its the first time such a prestigious SIFF-sanctioned youth competition will be held within the heart of a local community, signalling a significant step in the federation’s efforts to develop football from the grassroots.
Pitabelama said excitement is building as preparations continue for what is expected to be a vibrant and competitive event.
The tournament will not only showcase the budding talent of young footballers but also bring communities together to celebrate the beautiful game down here at the grassroots level for the first time.
Pitabelama highlighted the importance of taking football to the people, especially to schools and rural communities, where passion for the sport runs deep but access to organised competitions has been limited.
“This is about inclusion, opportunity, and inspiring the next generation of footballers,” he said.
“Football is not just for urban centers— it belongs to everyone.”
Communities and schools in and around Vonunu have been encouraged to come out in numbers, support their young teams, and be active participants in the tournament.
It is hoped that this initiative will lay the foundation for future events and help build a strong football culture across the provinces.
The tournament is expected to become a model for similar grassroots competitions across the Solomon Islands, reinforcing the message that football development must begin at the community level.
Some of the nearby teams have travelled to Vonunu today, Wednesday.
The event will end on Friday.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
