OFC Pro League teams have taken their love of football into the heart of Honiara's communities, visiting schools across the capital to engage directly with the next generation of Solomon Islands football fans, players and leaders.
Organised in partnership with the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) and Just Play Solomon Islands which is supported by the Australian Government's Team Up programme, the school visits have seen OFC Pro League players interact with students through games, drills and question-and-answer sessions, bringing top-level football to life in school settings across the city.
Eight lucky students from participating schools had the honour of delivering the match ball to referees at the National Stadium in Honiara during Round 4, with OFC providing free match tickets to schools as part of the initiative.
The SIFF and the Just Play Solomon Islands team supported each visit with equipment and activities, leading children through football drills and skill-building exercises alongside the visiting players.
"The Pro-League school visits brought SIFF, schools, and communities closer together, igniting dreams among the next generation. It highlighted the power of football across the Pacific and proved that with passion and opportunity, every child can try, play, stay, and rise to the professional level" says Lavenia Yalovi who is the OFC JP Regional Manager.
Maria Rufina, Just Play Program Manager at SIFF, said the energy at the schools had been extraordinary.
"The energy and smiles from the children during these school visits have been absolutely incredible. These visits aren't just about football drills; they are about showing our children that they are part of something much bigger. When players take the time to play a game, answer a question, or share a high-five, they are telling every child in that schoolyard that their dreams are valid and their passion matters."
"By inspiring this next generation today, we are nurturing the future stars, referees, coaches and passionate fans who will carry the spirit of Solomon Islands football forward. We are planting seeds of hope and showing that with dedication and community support, the journey from a school playground in Honiara to representing your country is a path that can be walked. Tagio tumas OFC."
The visits were warmly embraced by players and students alike.
Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek
Students at Mbua Valley School have adopted Vanuatu United FC as their team to support, while Florence Young School has rallied behind home favourites Solomon Kings FC.
In a particularly significant moment, PNG Hekari FC trainer Jerry Sam returned to his former primary school, White River, accompanied by his squad. The visit provided an opportunity for him to reconnect with the community where his football journey first began.
Further community and school engagements were held later in the round. South Island United visited Palm Drive School, the alma mater of Solomon Islands star player Rovu Boyers, South Melbourne FC visited Woodford International School as part of the outreach programme and Bula FC visited Coronation School.
The initiative builds on five successful school visits conducted in Papua New Guinea during Round 2 of the OFC Pro League, reflecting OFC's commitment to ensuring professional football is a meaningful and accessible part of community life across the Pacific. More school visits are planned for Round 5 in Fiji next month.