Three brothers with promising New Zealand football careers are extending the legacy of their father, former Solomon Islands national football team defender George Suri.

Rupert Suri, Ryley Suri and Jorge Suri have all embraced their father’s passion for the game in Tauranga.

Middle son, 13-year-old Ryley, proved himself a talent to watch while competing at last week’s Zespri AIMS Games in Tauranga Moana.

The annual tournament is New Zealand’s biggest sporting event, pulling in 14,506 athletes aged 11 to 13 from 467 schools competing across 27 sporting codes.

As a defensive midfielder for Tauranga Intermediate School’s football team, Ryley plays slightly higher up the field than his father did during his career as a defender for the Solomon Islands national team.

Although the side was knocked out in quarter-finals after a 2-0 defeat to Balmoral Intermediate School, Ryley said he was proud of the effort his teammates showed throughout the tournament.

“It is disappointing to lose, but reaching the quarter-finals is still a good achievement,” the teenager said.

“We could have won if we had given it everything, but overall we did well throughout the tournament.

“I am proud of my teammates and everyone who played. We all gave a strong performance.”

Ryley said his long-term goal is to become a successful footballer and follow in his father’s footsteps.

“I will continue playing football in New Zealand, and I hope to wear the Solomon Islands jersey in the future — just like my dad, or even better,” he said.

“I am proud of my mum and dad. They have supported me a lot in both education and football.”

Ryley’s mother, Joan Suri, has been a constant supporter, cheering on her boys in both victories and defeats whenever they play football or futsal.

She was also on the sidelines for the quarter-final match between Tauranga Intermediate School and Balmoral Intermediate School at Tauranga’s Gordon Spratt Reserve.

Ryley said he appreciated having his mother beside the field to watch him play.

Ryley Suri playing football at last week's Zespri AIMS Games.  Photo / Michael Bradley, AIMS Media

Joan said it was special to be present when her children played the sport they love.

“Our presence encourages them to perform at their best,” she said. “It makes me happy to see my boys enjoying the sport they love and being inspired by their dad.”

Mrs Suri said Ryley is progressing well in his passion for football.

“He can fulfil his football dreams and do even better than his dad,” she said. George Suri was a teenager when he won a prestigious football scholarship to Mount Albert Grammar School in Auckland, and went on to play for the city’s East Coast Bays club.

Ryley’s younger brother Jorge Suri also represented Tauranga Intermediate School at the AIMS Games, playing futsal while still in Year 7.

Eldest brother Rupert played for the Tauranga Boys’ College first XI team this season.

- Content supplied by AIMS Games Media