Two local boys — Leone High School graduate Beck Coulter and Kanana Fou High School senior David Katina, both linebackers — have been named to World Team, the squad which will face Team USA at Ft. Lauderdale, Forida, Jan. 30 during NFL Pro Bowl Week.

In a statement from the International Federation of American Football (IFAF), it says World Team Head Coach Jan Jenmert named 43 players from eight countries and four continents to the World Team roster yesterday. World Team will face USA Football’s junior national team at Lockhart Stadium Jan. 30, the match set to be broadcast live by the NFL network.

American Samoa will be ratified as the 58th member of IFAF at the organization’s annual Congress in 2010, according to the IFAF.

The Federation says the World team roster is comprised of players representing American Samoa (2), Australia (1), Canada (31), France (1), Germany (1), Japan (3), Mexico (1) and Sweden (3), who were selected from a provisional list of 100 players nominated by IFAF federations. They will practice nine times while in Fort Lauderdale from Jan.  24-29.

"Selecting only 45 players from the list of quality players who were recommended is a difficult task, but I believe we have assembled a balanced group who will be competitive," said Jenmert, who is also head coach of the Sweden junior national team. 

He noted that they "listened to the opinions of coaches from around the world, watched film and measured each player's personal strengths to make our selections and now look forward to coming together as a unit for the first time on Jan. 24 to prepare to face USA Football’s Team USA.”

The IFAF notes that Katina played in American Samoa’s 49-6 victory over Australia on Jan. 3.

Beck is the son of Bob and Lima Coulter of Leone village. He currently plays for Trinity Community College in Texas.

David is a senior at Kanana Fou High School, and played football at Fa’asao Marist High School. He is the son of Pastors David and Debbie Katina of Leone, Vaitogi and Waipahu, Hawaii.

Both players are 6’ 2” , 240 pounds.

The IFAF says the World Team/USA game is an official Pro Bowl Week event, set for kick-off at 12 p.m. Eastern Time. It will follow AFC and NFC Pro Bowl practices.

In a statement from the governor’s office, it says Gov. Togiola Tulafono was informed of the final selection of the two squads yesterday as it was formally announced by USA Football, the sport’s national governing body on youth and amateur levels.

“This official announcement rides on the wave of a very successful Samoa Bowl 7 and is a wonderful way to continue the new year celebration with our representation on the World squad,” said Togiola. “Not only will Beck and Tavita experience the play of top seniors of the nation, they will play alongside the best of the world on the World team from Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico and Sweden.”

The governor says Peter Tos, who coached the Australia team last weekend at Samoa Bowl VII, is part of the coaching staff for the World team.

“This is very exciting for American Samoa, especially for Beck and Tavita and the incredible experience that they will gain through this game,” said Togiola. “It’s no longer just a US game anymore; the world is playing American football and will converge on South Florida in three weeks with identical passion for the game. And this adds another opportunity to aim for every year for our young people.”

More information can be found at the event Web site: www.USAvWorld.com/2010 and at www.IFAF.org.