The Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA) has kicked off new grassroots training programs specifically for goalkeepers at its academies in Ba, Labasa, and Suva. This initiative is designed to develop young talent and provide aspiring goalkeepers with essential technical and tactical skills required for success in football.

In Ba, the training is being led by national goalkeeper coach Sanaila Waqanicakau, who brings extensive experience in high-level football. His leadership is expected to significantly enhance the participants’ training. Shamal Kumar, a former national goalkeeper and Labasa resident with a strong understanding of the local talent, will oversee the sessions at the Labasa Academy. Meanwhile, in Suva, Ricardo Ferrando Gusta, an experienced goalkeeper coach from Spain, has volunteered to assist in the training, offering insights into advanced techniques and tactics commonly used in European football.

Fiji FA’s grassroots program is an integral part of their overarching strategy to further develop talent from the ground up, particularly in specialized positions such as goalkeeping. This initiative not only aims to discover and nurture young talent but also seeks to improve the overall quality of goalkeeping within Fiji’s domestic leagues and national teams.

Sushil Singh, the Head of Talent Development for Fiji FA, has emphasized the critical role goalkeepers play in a football team and is optimistic that this program will produce remarkable results due to the expertise of the coaches involved. He encouraged young players across the nation to take advantage of the opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals in the field.

The introduction of these training programs highlights Fiji FA’s continued commitment to youth football development, mirroring other initiatives like the School Holiday Football Development Programme, which focuses on engaging young athletes and fostering not only their athletic skills but also essential life skills such as teamwork and discipline.

Overall, this grassroots goalkeeper training initiative is a positive stride towards building a stronger foundation for the future of football in Fiji, aiming to cultivate a new generation of skilled athletes who may shine in both domestic and international arenas. As such programs continue to expand, they not only pave the way for athletic growth but also foster community bonds, encouraging a lifelong passion for the sport among the youth.