The Fiji Secondary Schools Football Association is moving to keep the Extra Fiji Secondary Schools Championship 2025 clean and drug-free, with plans to introduce drug testing for players. FSSFA president Aminesh Ram stressed that drugs have no place in secondary school football and that the tournament should be played in the right spirit.
The championship, featuring under-15, U17, U19 and girls divisions, is slated to be held in Ba from August 20 to 23, with 104 matches scheduled across six grounds. Ram said discussions with the Fiji Football Association about possible drug testing are ongoing, noting that “we may have drug testing in our tournament” as finer details are still being worked out. He urged all players to quit drug use immediately, reiterating that drugs and sport do not mix and calling on players, coaches and managers to promote clean sport.
Ram expressed gratitude to sponsors helping to make the event possible, with this year’s competition officially named the Extra Fiji Secondary Schools Football Championship 2025. He thanked Fiji Football for facilitating the sponsorship and acknowledged support from Jack’s of Fiji and SNR Joinery, whose cash and in-kind contributions support secondary schools football.
Context and broader trends
This move aligns with a wider push across Fiji football toward drug-free sport. In recent months, the Fiji Football Association has intensified drug-testing efforts in other competitions, including providing drug testing as part of major tournaments and exploring the addition of alcohol testing to ensure a healthier, more responsible sporting environment. For example, high-profile tournaments have seen concrete testing programs, with multiple tests conducted and a public emphasis on education about the risks of drug use. The broader strategy includes collaboration with government and NGOs to educate youth and players, and to establish consistent consequences for violations.
Outlook
With the Extra Fiji Secondary Schools Championship aiming to safeguard the well-being and development of young athletes, the move to introduce drug testing reflects a proactive stance by the FSSFA and its partners. If implemented, the policy could reinforce a culture of accountability, promote fair play, and set a strong example for aspiring footballers across Fiji. Sponsors’ continued backing will be crucial to sustaining both the competition’s reach and its integrity.
Summary
The Fiji Secondary Schools Football Association is planning to introduce drug testing for the 2025 Extra Fiji Secondary Schools Championship in Ba, reinforcing a national trend toward clean sport in Fiji. The move emphasizes student welfare, fair play, and the collaboration between schools, governing bodies, and sponsors to uphold the spirit of youth football.
Additional notes
– This development sits within a broader movement toward drug and alcohol testing in Fiji football, including recent discussions of educational programs and partnerships with NGOs to address substance use among athletes.
– If you’d like, I can add a brief explainer on how drug testing could be implemented at a youth tournament level and what it would mean for players and teams.
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