11 Dec 2015

Sport: American Samoa football player earns Japanese scholarship

10:52 am on 11 December 2015

A high school football player from American Samoa has earned a scholarship to attend university in Japan.

Gabriel Dalle, a graduate of Tafuna High School, has received the first ever full four year scholarship to play football at Nihon University in Tokyo.

Head Coach Tadao Inoguchi says they're thrilled to welcome their very first player from American Samoa and hope to recruit more in future, as they know Samoans are very skilled football players and athletes in general.

As part of his scholarship, Dalle will have his tuition paid for four years and have his accommodation, football-related equipment and meals fully covered.

He will also receive the US equivalent of $700 per month in allowances to cover other personal expenses and will be able to return home to Pago Pago twice a year for vacation at Nihon University's expense.

Dalle will study Economics, Sports Management and Physical Education alongside his football commitments.