The Fiji Football Association is backing the 2025 Extra Beach Soccer League as a key driver for growing beach soccer across Fiji. Seven districts have confirmed their squads for the competition: Northland Tailevu BSC, Tailevu Naitasiri BSC, Rewa BSC, Nasinu BSC, Suva BSC, Lami BSC, and Navua BSC. The matches will be staged at the Fiji Sports Council Beach Soccer Pitch in Laucala, with a single round-robin format that will crown the league’s top team as champion.
Shaniya Shankar, Fiji FA competitions manager, stressed that the league is about more than securing a title. “The Extra Beach Soccer League provides an exciting platform for our districts to showcase their talent and passion for the game,” she said. “We are committed to supporting our teams through proper structures and regulations, while also ensuring fair play and transparency. This league is not only about competition but also about growing the sport and inspiring the next generation of beach soccer players in Fiji.”
Key rules and governance measures are designed to keep the competition well-organized. Each district may register up to 30 licensed players, with eligibility tied to the Comet registration system. Player transfers will be monitored, with movements permitted only during the official Fiji FA transfer window. Coaches and managers must also be formally registered, with submissions due no later than Monday, September 1, 2025.
The federation’s plan is to use this league as a foundation for long-term development, boosting interest in the sport and creating viable pathways for young players to pursue beach soccer seriously. The structured approach aims to deliver fair competition while laying groundwork for future expansion and improved facilities.
Context and outlook
This season’s push comes in the context of ongoing efforts to broaden Fiji’s beach soccer footprint. Earlier reporting has highlighted expansion plans, including more teams from Labasa and Ba and the opening of new beach soccer courts in Ba and Labasa to support grassroots development. The league’s emphasis on governance, talent identification, and clear transfer rules aligns with Fiji FA’s broader strategy to strengthen the sport from the ground up and prepare players for regional opportunities.
Additional comments
– The league could benefit from live streaming of matches and community-friendly events to boost local engagement and attract sponsorship.
– Partners from local business and tourism sectors could help grow exposure for the sport, turning beach soccer into a platform for youth development and community pride.
– If successful, this model may encourage further investment in facilities and youth academies, helping Fiji produce players who can compete regionally and on the international stage.
Summary
The 2025 Extra Beach Soccer League marks a concerted effort by Fiji FA to grow beach soccer through a structured, rule-governed competition that prioritizes development and fair play. With seven districts competing at Laucala and a clear path for player registration and transfers, the league aims to inspire the next generation while laying a solid foundation for the sport’s future in Fiji.
Positive note
There’s genuine optimism that a well-organized league will spark greater interest in beach soccer, open doors for young athletes, and enhance Fiji’s presence in Pacific regional football.
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