The Fiji Baby Pearls are stepping up their final-stage preparations for the Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar next month, with a demanding weekly routine designed to sharpen fitness, skills and game awareness.
Team manager Lusiana Rakavono outlined a five-session week that blends gym work with court time, aiming to push players through high-intensity experiences ahead of the world event. Two gym sessions and three court sessions fill each week, with a strong emphasis on scrimmage play to simulate the pressures of top-level youth competition.
To raise the tempo further, the squad has been testing itself against other under-21 teams and will continue to ramp up match exposure through scrimmages with Fiji’s Men’s netball team. Rakavono said these high-intensity sessions are crucial for preparing the players to handle pace, physicality and decision-making under pressure.
Three overseas-based players are due to join the group on September 1, having kept pace with the team’s training program from abroad. They will integrate with the squad and update the strength and conditioning staff on their progress, ensuring a smooth transition as the buildup continues.
The team’s morale remains strong, with players enjoying the grind and the camaraderie that is forming in camp. Rakavono highlighted the collective spirit as a key factor in their development, noting that the squad’s unity and on-court bonding are progressing well through each session.
Fiji’s Baby Pearls are scheduled to depart for Gibraltar on September 12, ahead of their World Cup opener on September 19 against Trinidad & Tobago. The tournament is expected to test the squad’s discipline, endurance and cohesion as they aim to make a meaningful impact on the world stage and elevate Fiji’s standing in youth netball.
Context and outlook
This buildup fits a broader pattern seen in Fiji’s youth netball program, which has increasingly relied on cross-training with local and international partners to sharpen speed, strength, decision-making and game sense while maintaining a strong team ethos. The inclusion of overseas-based players underscores Fiji’s commitment to depth and experience as they prepare to compete against some of the world’s best U21 teams.
Commentary and potential impact
The ongoing intensified regime—combining gym conditioning, on-court play, and diverse practice partners—appears well aligned to the team’s goals of resilience and tactical growth. If the Baby Pearls can sustain this momentum into Gibraltar, they could deliver a competitive showing that resonates beyond the result, inspiring a new generation of netball players in Fiji.
Summary
The Baby Pearls are in the final phase of their NWYC prep, with a five-session weekly program that blends gym and court work, intensified scrimmages with the Fiji Men’s team, and three overseas-based players joining soon. They depart on September 12 for Gibraltar, where they open their campaign on September 19, seeking a strong global showing that reflects Fiji’s rising talent in youth netball.
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