The Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA) has launched new grassroots goalkeeper training programs at its academies located in Ba, Labasa, and Suva, with the aim of developing and nurturing young football talent. This initiative is designed to equip aspiring goalkeepers with essential technical and tactical skills required for successful progression in the sport.

In Ba, the training sessions will be conducted by Sanaila Waqanicakau, Fiji’s national goalkeeper coach, who brings a wealth of experience from high-level football. His leadership is expected to significantly benefit the participants. In Labasa, Shamal Kumar, a former national goalkeeper and experienced Labasa player, will guide the training, aiming to inspire young athletes with his deep knowledge of the game and local talent. At the Suva Academy, participants will have the opportunity to learn from Ricardo Ferrando Gusta, a seasoned Spanish goalkeeper coach. His international expertise is set to introduce advanced techniques and strategies commonly used in European football.

The grassroots goalkeeper training programs form part of Fiji FA’s broader strategy to enhance football talent from the grassroots level, particularly focusing on specialized positions like goalkeeping. The initiative aims to spot and nurture promising players, ultimately aiming to elevate the overall quality of goalkeepers within Fiji’s domestic leagues and national teams.

Sushil Singh, the Head of Talent Development South for Fiji FA, emphasized the critical role that goalkeepers play in a football team and expressed confidence that the involvement of experienced coaches and the integration of international practices will yield significant results. Singh encouraged young players nationwide to embrace this opportunity and learn from qualified mentors in the field.

This initiative aligns with Fiji FA’s ongoing commitment to youth development, similar to other programs like the School Holiday Football Development Programme, which seeks to foster engagement in sports while imparting valuable life skills such as teamwork and discipline.

In summary, the launch of these grassroots goalkeeper training programs represents a hopeful step forward for the future of football in Fiji. By nurturing youth talent, Fiji FA is contributing positively to community engagement and sports culture, fostering a new generation of skilled athletes poised to shine on both domestic and international stages.