BRIEF HISTORY OF THE SOLOMON ISLANDS FUTSAL FUNDRAISING TASKFORCE PAGE

This is made especially for the members of this particular project (Solomon Islands Futsal Fundraising Taskforce) to know what the page is about and the simple vision that have started the page in relation to its vision. In reading this, hopefully the readers can understand the foundation of the project and can also relate the information given here to other fellow Solomon Islands who are willing to venture into the same direction.

                                

The project was simply formed after a conviction by the care takers of the group that after having to witness Solomon Islands battling in the friendly match against the futsal giant’s brazil in their last friendly match. For so long Solomon Islands have been promised and lead to believe by the responsible authorities that they will build a futsal home and yet the big promises have failed and still the boys have been incredible and inspired to keep on going and fly the flag of the nation with pride against the top futsal countries in the world cup. We believe that as Solomon Islands futsal fans, we see what is needed and we believe that we the people already know how Solomon Islands Kurukuru have gone the distant to represent Solomon Islands with pride therefore it is fitting to have some form of place where Solomon Islanders who are passionate about seeing the future of this game of futsal to grow positively to contribute together and help construct a futsal arena or home for the future generation of futsal. The most interesting aspect of this project is that when we first began the initiative, we do not have any form of knowledge or understanding about funding projects except we only have a vision which is “To work together and put God as the center of this unity to fund and build a futsal home for Solomon Islands so that the new generation can be developed and also instill Godly values in them”. From a simple vision and passion, we have created this project on the 15^th of September 2016. We do not consider the impossibilities but we focus on the possibilities with the theme of working together transparently and with God as the center of this particular project.

In creating something formal and trust worthy for members to engage in, we have considered legalizing the project and create a committee which will then be focusing on gathering funds from donation from all members of the group, donations from business groups, funding from certain projects and any other lawful form of donation towards the project. In relation to the vision of this group, we are optimistic in giving a new set of minds from people to lead this project guided by the vision that is already in place. We respect the perspective of all the members, other business groups, other organizations and institutes involved in this particular game of futsal but we would not go astray because we believe that this project is for the people and only the people should be the one leading this particular project. We do welcome any other groups, organizations or institute to affiliate with us but they must respect the pure vision that we have in this project. Together with the right intentions, we can achieve greater good but when bad intentions are implemented then there is room for failure. In this particular project, any negativity and issues against the vision of this project will not be considered and will automatically be taken out.

For so long Solomon Islands futsal have been growing in the instability of other groups or institute, we believe it is time that this game of futsal has its own home that the new generation of the nation can be developed and can be taught with Godly values to be better and exceptional players and also citizens of Solomon Islands in the future. Transparency is one of the core essential aspect of this particular project and unity of the people is the driving tool needed to continue this project positively. Solomon Islands, it is time we all rise up and walk the talk and become one in creating something that the future generation will remember us for. Finally, we would appreciate all members to continue to pray and support this project as we are moving forward and definitely will be going through different varieties of steps leading to success. Through God all things are possible.

SOLOMON ISLANDS VERY OWN FOOTBALL LEGEND

Football is a game full of passion, dedication and motivation. In order to succeed in this sport, one must have these exceptional qualities. For Solomon Islands, there have been a lot of football heroes come and go but one that remains the center of the hearts of many Solomon Islands football fans is the one and only Henry Samuel Luito’o Fa’arodo or Ju Fa as he is commonly known. The player who have graced the national uniform for Solomon Islands football team all his playing life is regarded not only by Solomon Islands but the whole of Oceania as one of the best in the pacific.

                     

Henry Fa’arodo attended Nelson College from 2000 to 2001, playing for the school’s first eleven and he also was a member of the Nelson Suburbs club outside school football. Amongst the few of Solomon Islands who have made it to top flight football in Australia, Henry was one of them playing for the top-flight football club Perth Glory and for the Melbourne Knights in the old NSL.  Henry Fa’arodo have made such a positive impact to the pacific football and now every Solomon Islands youth footballers admire him and regarded him as their legend and a model to follow. The Solomon Islands team captain may have a very aggressive approach in games but in person, he is one of the kindest individuals around. Currently, Henry is a member of the Western United football club in the Top league in Solomon Islands. I was fortunate to have a close up interview with the legend himself and get into the mind of the most influential player in Solomon Islands and also the whole of Pacific.

What got you into football?

For me it is not what got me into footy. It is who. And it is my dad’s involvement in football. So I respect my dad a lot for introducing me to this beautiful game.

What do you find in football growing up that steers you to keep going?

I have always dream of playing football. I believe being able to follow my dad to training when he was involved with Rangers football club in the late 80s and early 90s has helped steered me to love the game more. Also what steers me as I grow up was that I realized I have a talent to go further in this career. And with dedication, commitment, passion and determination to make it in football also steers me. Also I always challenge myself to be better in what I do. And so I have the habit to set individual goals and aims to achieve. And I always make sure my goals a realistic.

What is your best moments in football to date if you could choose 3 best moments?

1. Signing my first Pro contract with Perth Glory.

2. Being part of the Solomon team that drew with Aussie.

3. Being the captain of Solomon Islands football team.

When you are regarded as the best player in the Solomon Islands and the Pacific, do you feel any pressure to live up to standards?

Of course I feel the pressure to perform especially. But I use it to drive myself. To motivate myself. I always find ways to push myself to be a better player.

I understand you have been there and done almost everything, what are your goals now in football?

I am now in my transition period in my football career. I love football. I would like to be still involved. My goals now for the future will be to be involved in coaching. Get my qualifications and hopefully one-day coach the Solomon Islands senior team.

I would also like to coach overseas.

You have been with the national team for many years, what is something you find about the national team that excites you?

One thing for sure is walking into the dressing room, putting on the green, yellow n blue strip. And that moment you walked out in front of my home crowd. That excites me. And when I sing the national anthem that would be one of my proudest moment.

You have been called many nick names in your footballing days, which one is the one you almost feel like it is your official name?

It’s got to be – JuFa

If you we not playing football, what do you see yourself doing now?

Wow!! If I don’t play football I would see myself working as a teacher, or a lecturer or maybe a motivational speaker. Tough call for me.

What do your girls (daughters) think of you as a top footballer?

If u ask my girls what I do for a living, they will tell you "my papa plays football". The other day my eldest daughter who is 7 came home and we asked her what she did at school. She said "we did drawing and coloring" I asked to see what she did, she showed me an A4 size paper with a man kicking a ball into the goal and there’s a caption "papa winning goal"

Your word of advice for young Solomon Islands footballers.

Have a dream. Set yourselves realistic goals. Believe in yourself and your ability. Remember - Talent can only take u so far, HARD WORK will take you anywhere.

The inspirational Solomon Islands captain who also is a Christian really is confident that it is with God’s help and his determination that have pushed him through the years to become who he is now. Henry Fa’arodo will always be regarded as one of the best footballers the Solomon Islands have ever produced and also an ambassador of footballer from the Pacific Islands.

picture of Fa'arodo playing for Western United was taken by VanuFoot.

MEDIA CARRYING IDENTITIES TO THE WORLD

Media and identity is two different objectives but they both a linked together to portray a specific representation. Identity above all is not fixed but it is actually created to suit a particular individual. The media is one of the most powerful tool that constructs identity for the society. The media present representation of reality and this is what we call identity. In identifying identity, there are many aspects of the subject that one needs to consider and in these two particular music video ‘Love generation by Bob Sinclair and We are the world by US for AFRICA, the link of identity is quite obvious and through the important aspect of the media, we can identify them.

First music video “Love Generation” by Bob Sinclair is one of the most intriguing music video of all time because the main character in the music video was not the singer but a young boy who seemingly travels the whole world on his bike. In this particular scene, the camera shot is of a full setting and shows all the characters in the music video. The main character is central which shows that he is the main character and the other children were spread out both sides with different ethnicities. The song also states that this is the love generation and in this particular scene, there is a sense of unity because all of these children are of different backgrounds but all engaging with themselves. It is quite refreshing to also identify that the scene is also balance in gender as the children in the background are girls and also boys. The real message of love generation can definitely be seen in this as the boy become the main character and he is witnessing the love generation. This particular music video implements positive values to the audience and the viewers can really relate to this particular music video.

The second music video is the most well-known music video in the world and it is “We are the world” by USA for Africa. Although the main character that everyone looks forward to see is Michael Jackson, the main theme behind this song is exceptional. We are the world and the song literally have been sung by different variety of USA singers which makes it even special. The singers are both African American and European American both genders singing alongside each other and fulfilling their actual song purpose which to implement that we are the world together.

The camera shots of the singers are mostly close ups as they have to show the real identity of the singers and the viewers can relate to them and all the lyrics they sing. It is probably one of the most effective way of actually seeing the emotions from these amazing singers. I believe this also symbolizes unity is needed in the world to make it better and to make it much happier. The singers are all united to sing this song giving hope to the people who watched and listened. There is gender balance, there is also an incredible message in the song and it was powerful indeed.

For these two important music videos, they both are different genre of music but still they portray something similar and that is basically identity. The amazing idea of identities is relevant in any society and these two music videos have definitely passed this positive idea that our identities may vary in different ways but we ought to have unity and prosperity together as one people. Indeed, there is some form of stereotyping involved but they were positive ones and in the first song the most obvious stereotyping was of the boy riding the bike. It is quite common for young boys to ride their bicycles around and for the second music video a stereotype of artist recording in a studio but the songs used these stereotyping in a positive way to give the audience a connection with the song because they can tell that the reality is present in the songs.

Indeed, media have definitely construct the identities of our society and have dramatically engage all of us audience in accepting the identities it offers. What can we do without media? Well for now, the answer would simply be nothing can be done without media’s influence.

picture one is of Love Generation song by Bob, 

the main character the boy riding the bike is riding past his friends

pictures 2 & 3 are of a African american male vocalist and a European american female singer in the famous song "we are the world".