The Football Federation of Samoa (FFS) has officially opened its state-of-the-art $12 million tala Apia Park Complex.
The complex is the biggest ever sporting project undertaken by any sports body in Samoa. Taking 3 years and 9 months to complete, the project cost a little more than 10 million tala, not including the Samoa Government’s contribution in duty-free assistance, bringing the total cost to around $12 million tala.
The new complex consists of:
- A full-size indoor football court within a secure arena or gymnasium.
- A fully convertible arena to host functions/meetings with a capacity of more than 2,000 people.
- Two full-size football fields with the capability to add a third field, and three mini football pitches designed for youth but also usable for small game training.
- An office block serving as the main corporate headquarters for football, a conference room, two shops, and four commercial spaces on the opposite side of the compound.
- Meeting spaces and outdoor toilet facilities.
The main fields are of international standard and can be used as a second venue for international football games. Additionally, the soccer fields will serve as a multipurpose facility accommodating various sports, with football being the primary focus.
Speaking at the opening, Acting Minister of Sports and Recreation, who is also the Finance Minister, Lautimuia Uelese Afoa Vaai, expressed pride in witnessing the successful completion of the project by FIFA. He emphasized that the development will allow Samoa to continue hosting football events in the region.
“FIFA’s support clearly demonstrates their confidence in Samoa’s potential to nurture and grow its youth and future generations, with the opportunity to sharpen their skills with the availability of international standard sports facilities,” Lautimuia said.
He added that the project reflects the Government’s commitment to improving the quality of life for Samoans through enhanced sports infrastructure, in alignment with the strategic direction seen with developments like the Tuanaimato Sports Complex.
“The Samoan Government acknowledges with appreciation, the continuing support and commitment from FIFA towards the development of football in Samoa, which has enabled the federation to grow the sport in the country. It is the Government’s hope that this support will continue into the future. I wish the President, the Board, and Staff of Football Federation Samoa all the best in maintaining FIFA’s support to ensure the continued growth of football in Samoa,” Lautimuia added.
The complex was officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Deputy Prime Minister Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio and FIFA Vice President and Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) President Lambert Maltock, in the presence of FFS President Papalii Leslie Petaia.
