Bula FC striker Kyle Auvray has hailed the passionate backing the team received during their recent OFC Pro League fixtures in the Solomon Islands, saying the welcome from local fans — especially children from nearby schools — left a lasting impression on his teammates. The squad returns to Fiji carrying not only match experience but a renewed appreciation for the grassroots enthusiasm that greeted them abroad, Auvray said.
“The atmosphere and support in the Solomon Islands made a significant impact on the players,” Auvray told reporters, noting that seeing people fill the stadium and come out for the games reinforced what football means to communities across the region. “I think it means a lot. That’s what it’s all about, getting the locals involved and having people in the stadium.”
Auvray singled out the relationship formed with young supporters as a highlight of the trip. Schoolchildren who attended the matches, he said, were especially important in lifting the team and were actively embraced by the players. “We had a real connection with the kids in the school. For them to come and support us, it really meant a lot to the players,” he said.
The striker described a deliberate effort by Bula FC to acknowledge those fans after matches, making visits to the children a priority as soon as games finished. “When the game was done, the first thing we wanted to do was go and see the kids because they really helped us today,” Auvray said, underlining the personal side of the club’s approach to away fixtures.
Bula FC now turns its focus to the next phase of the OFC Pro League, which shifts to Fiji for its upcoming round. The team plans to bring the confidence and camaraderie fostered in the Solomon Islands to their home matches, where they will play in front of local supporters. Auvray described the overseas stint as “a memorable one for the team,” suggesting the experience could galvanise the squad ahead of fixtures on home soil.
The trip also served as a reminder of the role community engagement plays in regional competitions, with players and staff recognising the value of building connections off the pitch as well as on it. As the Pro League resumes in Fiji, Bula FC will hope the goodwill generated in the Solomon Islands translates into stronger performances and solid home support when the competition returns to their shores.
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