Australian National U17 Men’s Football Team to play two matches against SI Men’s Under 19 in Honiara

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Joint Media Release: Solomon Islands to Host the ‘Subway Joey’s’ Team (Australian National U17 Men’s Football Team) in Honiara for the First Time in a Highly Anticipated Competitive International Friendly Series

Honiara, July 30, 2024.

In a testament to the flourishing cooperation between the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) and Football Australia, supported by the Australian Government’s PacificAus Sports program, the Solomon Islands will welcome the Australia Men’s U17 team, known as the Subway Joeys, for a two-match friendly series against the Solomon Islands National Men’s U19 team.

The matches are scheduled for August 15th and 18th at the National Stadium in Honiara.

SIFF Chief Executive Officer Leonard Paia and Australian High Commission Minister Counselor Lindsay Buckingham announced this at a media conference.

SIFF CEO Paia on behalf of the SIFF President and his executive expressed the national football federation’s gratitude for the continued collaboration between Solomon Islands Football Federation and Football Australia, highlighting the significant opportunities it brings to Solomon Islands football.

“This cooperation has provided a unique opportunity where our national teams, both from football and futsal, as well as for both men and women teams, who are able to play very competitive international matches against national football teams of Australia,” Paia stated.

“In 2024 alone, our collaboration has provided the opportunity for SIFF to host Australia’s national futsal team, the Futsalroos, in March, and now we are preparing to host the Subway Joeys for the first time for two international friendlies here at home. These two matches will certainly provide football fans in the country a taste of highly entertaining youth international football matches to enjoy and celebrate the growing relationship that SIFF and Football Australia are growing in the game we all love.”

Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Rod Hilton said, “We are excited to welcome the Joeys to the Solomon Islands for a series of two games with the national U19 men’s team in August. The Australian Government’s PacificAus Sports program strengthens high performance pathways for Pacific athletes, providing increased opportunities for teams to train and compete at the highest levels, and for our nations to come together through a shared love of sport.”

The warm weather camp and matches will serve as crucial preparation for the Subway Joeys ahead of their AFC U17 Asian Cup 2025™ Qualifiers, set to take place in Kuwait from October 19-27, 2024.

The friendly series will feature matches at the National Stadium in Honiara on Thursday, August 15th, and Sunday, August 18th, kicking off at 6:00 PM local time (5:00 PM AEST).

These fixtures are the latest in a growing schedule of events between SIFF and Football Australia, underscoring a connection that enjoys robust support from the Australian Government through PacificAus Sports.

PacificAus Sports is an Australian Government sports diplomacy initiative developing pathways for Pacific teams and athletes to compete in elite competitions and access high-performance coaching in Australia and internationally.

MATCH SCHEDULE – 2024 PACIFICAUS SPORTS FOOTBALL TOUR

Match One
Solomon Islands U-19 v Subway Joeys
Date:  Thursday 15 August 2024
Kick-off: 6.00pm (local) / 5.00pm AEST
Venue: National Stadium, Honiara, Solomon Islands

Match Two
Solomon Islands U-19 v Subway Joeys

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Date: Sunday 18 August 2024
Kick-off: 6.00pm (local) / 5.00pm AEST
Venue: National Stadium, Honiara, Solomon Islands 

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