FIFA President Gianni Infantino (https://www.FIFA.com) has visited the Solomon Islands to see for himself the work that is being done to develop football in the Pacific Island nation. The first FIFA President to visit the country, Mr Infantino was shown a new headquarters for the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) and discussed future FIFA Forward (https://apo-opa.info/3T9Q1s0) projects and talent development with Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.

During their meeting, the Prime Minister committed to allocating a stadium in the country to women’s football following a request from Gianni Infantino.

Mr Infantino began his tour by watching an U-14 Championship match, part of the highly successful SIFF Iumi Play Programme which features 18 boys’ and girls’ teams from around the country and is a key part of the SIFF’s plans to develop football. Started in 2021, it is established in every part of the country and has introduced structured training to young players.

The FIFA President was then taken to the new SIFF headquarters, which is 80 percent complete and features two full-sized football pitches, one futsal pitch, two beach soccer pitches and an academy. It is one of the Pacific region’s single biggest government-funded football projects and has also enjoyed strong collaboration from the SIFF with FIFA Forward (https://apo-opa.info/3T9Q1s0) funding a gym, the IT system and other equipment.

The SIFF has also committed to the construction of five provincial technical development centres by the end of 2026 using FIFA Forward (https://apo-opa.info/3T9Q1s0) funds which will also support the national team, improve domestic competitions and upgrade the Lawson Tama Stadium. The Solomon Islands has applied to join the FIFA Talent Development Scheme (https://apo-opa.info/3OUuuDo) in which FIFA offers guidance to member associations on how to find, develop and coach talent.

The video submission includes b-roll of the FIFA President Gianni Infantino visiting the Solomon Islands and quotes from Infantino and two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup™ winner Jill Ellis.

Access the B-roll and dope sheet: https://apo-opa.info/3DWC9KY

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of FIFA.

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