Samoa’s participation in the FIH Youth Challenge this year incorporated a number of different elements. These ranged from the Cadets Program, to the Secondary Schools Introduction to hockey as well as Village hockey which was a new initiative for 2010.
Forty five participants from the ages of 5-19 meet at the Grass Surface – Fale’ata Park for a day of festivities. The day provided opportunities for youth to play hockey, as well as promoting the sport of hockey to youth in Samoa, by increasing the base number of players for Samoa.
This resulted in increased numbers involved in Cadets Hockey and on 29 May; first Cadets Championship was held. In addition new club teams have been developed with youth members
The future also looks promising with the Secondary Schools Programme Development – 5 Secondary Schools identified and the training of teachers has begun.
CDO helping with resources, skills booklet for teachers and coaches
Village Hockey – Vaimoso Village is the first one to have hockey introduced. Malie and Mualia are the next 2. Villages have been selected because they have a relationship with an SHF Executive member or family members already in hockey. Some villages are reluctant to have any other sport but rugby introduced so this introduction has been to a carefully worked plan.
2011 – First National Secondary School Hockey Tournament.
We look forward to seeing more hockey in Samoa