Socceroos 2006 World Cup star Tim Cahill to promote football to his roots in Samoa

Australia and one-time Samoa football international Tim Cahill is on his way back to Samoa to help promote football as a means for promoting a healthy lifestyle.

Cahill starred for Australia at the FIFA World Cup - Germany 2006 with a string of world class performances as the Socceroos made it to the round of 16 before being eliminated under controversial circumstances by eventual winners Italy.

Cahill's football career had an inauspicious start when he turned out for Samoa U-20 as a fresh-faced 14-year-old substitute 13 years ago.

Cahill - who was born in Australia to an English father and Samoan mother - was left in international limbo - the sole appearance for Samoa was enough to prevent Cahill from representing Australia until FIFA changed it's rules on player eligibility in 2004.

Despite becoming an established Socceroo Cahill has never lost touch with his Samoan roots and is keen to play a part in helping children in Samoa improve their education, health and sense of self-worth using football as a development tool.

Cahill's father - Tim senior - has been active in promoting his son's cultural commitment to Samoa and said his son was exceptionally proud to be part of something that adds value to the lives of youngsters in the Oceania region.

Another New Caledonian born French football superstar Christian Karembeu has been very active in promoting football, education and health initiatives in the region since retiring from the professional game in 2005.

Source: OFC