The Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA) has introduced grassroots goalkeeper training programs at its academies located in Ba, Labasa, and Suva. This initiative is designed to cultivate young aspiring goalkeepers by providing them with the necessary technical and tactical skills to advance in the sport.

In Ba, the sessions will be steered by Sanaila Waqanicakau, Fiji’s national goalkeeper coach, whose extensive experience in high-level football is expected to enrich the training for participants. Meanwhile, Shamal Kumar, a former national goalkeeper and Labasa player, will oversee the program at the Labasa Academy. Kumar, who has also served as a development officer for Fiji FA, is recognized for his deep understanding of the game and his ability to inspire local talent in the northern region.

In Suva, participants will benefit from the expertise of Ricardo Ferrando Gusta, a seasoned goalkeeper coach from Spain, who has volunteered to lead training sessions. His international experience will introduce unique techniques and strategies employed in European football, offering local goalkeepers valuable insights into advanced techniques.

This grassroots program falls under Fiji FA’s broader strategy to enhance football talent at the fundamental level, focusing specifically on specialized positions like goalkeeping. It aims to discover promising talent while bolstering the overall quality of goalkeepers within both domestic and national teams.

Fiji FA’s Head of Talent Development South, Sushil Singh, emphasized the importance of goalkeepers to any team’s success and noted that the program is pivotal in laying a strong foundation for the future. He expressed confidence that with the involvement of experienced coaches and the integration of international expertise, the initiative will yield notable outcomes.

The program is open to all young players across Fiji aspiring to pursue a career in football as goalkeepers. Singh strongly encouraged parents and aspiring players to seize this opportunity to learn from distinguished mentors in the field, reinforcing the commitment to fostering a new generation of talented athletes.

In summary, the introduction of these grassroots goalkeeper training programs marks a significant step toward developing the future of football in Fiji, nurturing talent from a young age, and promoting a lifelong passion for the sport. This initiative reflects a positive investment in the youth, not only enhancing athletic skills but also contributing to personal growth and community engagement through sport.