Australian High Commission
Honiara
Solomon Islands

Australia Donates Soccer Referee Uniforms

22 August 2017

                                                     Australia Donates Soccer Referee Uniforms

Australia has handed over a collection of referee kits to support Solomon Islands football referees. During half-time in the exciting first season Telekom S League match between Marist FC and newcomers the Henderson Eels on Saturday (19 Aug) at Lawson Tama Stadium, the Australian High Commission delivered the kits to Solomon Islands Football Federation President William Lai. The brand new sets of uniforms were generously donated by the Ku-ring-gai Referees, part of Football NSW, with particular support from Mr Mark Cepak.

Acting Deputy High Commissioner Fiona Hoggart told the crowd Australia was a proud supporter of football in Solomon Islands, at the community and grassroots levels, and also at the elite and professional levels.

“The beautiful game brings the nation together, whatever province or ethnic group or island, everyone - men, women, boys and girls – can enjoy playing and supporting football,” she said.

SIFF President William Lai said that SIFF looked forward to continued cooperation and football diplomacy with Australia. “We can learn a lot from each other at all levels of the game. Football is the heartbeat of Solomon Islands,” he said.

Patteson Lusi of the Solomon Islands referee association welcomed the donation of shirts, shorts and socks. “Developing our referees’ professionalism and skills is one of the most important factors in building the sport, and these football referee uniforms will be vital.