Goodman Fielder Fiji (GFF) has partnered with the Fiji Netball Association to sponsor the upcoming Fiji Secondary Schools Netball Championship, scheduled for August 21 to 23 at the National Netball Centre in Laucala, Suva. The event will be referred to as the Crest Chicken Fiji Secondary School Netball Championship.
Netball Fiji CEO Vivian Koster highlighted that this collaboration is instrumental in promoting netball at the secondary school level. She stated, “It not only supports our school-based athletes but also helps grow grassroots netball.” Koster emphasized that schools play a critical role in developing future Fiji Pearls, noting that the current 21 and under squad preparing for the Netball World Youth Cup includes 17 secondary school students.
This year’s championship will feature 132 teams competing in six grades, including a boys’ division. Each grade will consist of 22 teams, representing the top performers from six rallies held across the country. About 1980 players are expected to participate in the national championship.
FSSNA president Navitalai Naivalu expressed gratitude for Goodman Fielder’s continued support in the development of netball in Fiji and looked forward to a successful competition this year. GFF general manager Tim Carter shared excitement about being involved with secondary netball, recognizing grassroots development as a significant opportunity for growth. He noted the increasing participation of males in competitions, reflecting the inspiring work and passion of the netball association in Fiji.
Carter reaffirmed GFF’s commitment to providing quality, affordable, and healthy protein sources for athletes in Fiji. He mentioned the importance of talent development, stating that aspiring netballers can still contribute to the local sport even if they don’t reach elite levels. The sponsorship aims to empower Netball Fiji to create a platform for local and young sporting talents, helping them realize their full potential as future representatives in netball.