The ADF women’s futsal team had as much fun as the students when they organised games at St Mary’s Primary School in Tanaghai, Solomon Islands.

From bonding on the field to sharing secret handshakes and even dancing on the sideline, Flying Officer Milly Gray said it was a new experience for the team and more than 150 students.

“The kids are so ecstatic when they see the balls come out. Even if it’s not a soccer ball they still just want to kick it around and play; they just love it so much,” Flying Officer Gray said.

“You can see how important sport is to them. It just brings us all together, and as a team, for all the girls, it helps us bond and create relationships across the services.”

Officer in charge of the program Commander José Bascunan was blown away by the instant connection.

“Connection is also interaction and building what we see as long-term friendships and strengthening of our partnership in the Solomon Islands,” Commander Bascunan said.

“It starts at the grassroots through sports and importantly it’s a face-to-face engagement.”

He said it was hoped that connection with the ADF team would inspire the young girls of Solomon Islands to chase their dreams on or off the sporting field.

“Sport is something that opens us up to any culture and interactions, but most important it promotes spirit and passion that doesn’t have any barriers,” Commander Bascunan said.