Goodman Fielder Fiji (GFF) has announced a partnership 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 branded as the Crest Chicken Fiji Secondary School Netball Championship.
Vivian Koster, CEO of Netball Fiji, highlighted that this collaboration aims to promote netball at the secondary school level. “It not only supports our school-based athletes but also helps grow grassroots netball,” said Koster. She emphasized the importance of this initiative in developing future talents, noting that there is currently a 21 and under squad preparing for the Netball World Youth Cup, which includes 17 students from secondary schools.
This year’s championship will feature 132 teams competing across six grades, including a boys’ division. Each grade will comprise 22 teams, selected from the best performers in regional rallies throughout the country. The tournament is expected to involve around 1,980 players.
FSSNA president Navitalai Naivalu expressed gratitude for Goodman Fielder’s continued support for netball development in Fiji and expressed hope for further cooperation in the future, looking forward to a successful competition this year.
Tim Carter, general manager of GFF, conveyed excitement about being involved in secondary netball, recognizing grassroots netball development as a significant opportunity. He expressed admiration for the netball association’s efforts and its commitment to nurturing the sport in Fiji.
Carter also reiterated GFF’s dedication to providing athletes in Fiji with quality, affordable, and healthy protein options. He underscored the importance of talent development for aspiring netball players, emphasizing that even if they do not reach the elite level, they can still contribute significantly to local sports. The aim of the sponsorship is to empower Netball Fiji in creating a platform for local youth, helping them realize their potential as future representatives in the sport.