THE Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) has announced selected players for the inaugural National Football Academy Programme.
The programme aims to nurture the future footballing talent of the country. It is specifically designed for U15 and U16 players and is a FIFA backed initiative that will provide intensive football training and development for young athletes from both Honiara and the provinces.
Set to be formally launched in April this year, the programme focusses on developing elite football skills to preparing the next generation of national team players.
SIFF said the selected players for the programme were chosen through a scouting process, which included trials involving players from Honiara and the provinces.
The players will undergo comprehensive coaching and training under the guidance of some of the most experienced football figures in the country.
The programme’s coaching staff includes former Solomon Islands international and football icon Henry Fa’arodo Jnr, who brings invaluable experience and insight to the training ground.
It also includes Jonathan Bilio, a highly skilled coach with a wealth of knowledge in youth development, and Jake Stephenson, a FIFA Talent Coach renowned for his expertise in talent identification and development.
Together, the trio will provide the guidance, mentorship and technical training that these young players need to elevate their game.
“We are extremely excited to see this project come to life and to watch the development of these young players,” said Fa’arodo. “This programme is not just about football, but about fostering discipline, teamwork, and a passion for the sport that will shape them into leaders on and off the pitch,” the trio said.
SIFF expressed anticipation to seeing the growth of these young players as they continue their journey toward representing Solomon Islands at the highest levels of football.
The SIFF National Football Academy is an initiative under the FIFA Talent Development Scheme. A programme by FIFA that assist its member associations to set up and run youth football academies aimed at improving the quality of national teams.
The U15 selectees are:
1. Aefi Eddie
2. Alick Feroy
3. Hoova Vaulton Tome
4. Waleilia Edward
5. Akwai Lawrence
6. Asimae Primo
7. Oritaimae Ious
8. Talota Prince
9. Lee Benjamin
10. Madoe Graham
11. Tumuli Frank
12. Lulu Aaron
13. Suka Willie
14. Dederi William
15. Kwanae Gabriel
16. Kona Walcott
17. Sisa Mathew
18. Anusu Lanisi
19. Ishmael Warren
20. Gau Greg
U16 Selectees
1. Faiga Jaron
2. Ereahu John
3. Riola Martin
4. Lavalu Greyton
5. Bala Simon
6. Uraruia Kenton
7. Toitoona Sam
8. Routa Jayden
9. Betasulia Peter
10. Vehe Kieran
11. Filia Ben
12. Suimae Emmanuel
13. Sonavolomo Enos
14. Maetatau Ben
15. Kenimoi Patti
16. Nunua Edward
17. Oli Ben
18. Waosi Jeremy
19. Kabolo Adrian
20. Razak Thomas