The Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA) has unveiled grassroots goalkeeper training programs at its academies in Ba, Labasa, and Suva. This initiative aims to cultivate new talent among aspiring young goalkeepers, providing them with vital technical and tactical skills essential for progressing in football.

In Ba, the training will be led by Sanaila Waqanicakau, Fiji’s national goalkeeper coach, whose rich experience in high-level football is expected to greatly benefit participants. In Labasa, the program will be handled by Shamal Kumar, a former national goalkeeper and Labasa player, recognized for his deep knowledge of the game and ability to motivate young players in the northern region. At the Suva Academy, Ricardo Ferrando Gusta, an experienced goalkeeper coach from Spain, will volunteer his expertise to teach the participants advanced techniques and tactics prevalent in European football.

This grassroots training endeavor is part of a broader strategy by Fiji FA to enhance talent development at the foundational level, particularly in specialized positions like goalkeeping. By focusing on building a robust pipeline of talented goalkeepers, the initiative aims to elevate the overall quality of goalkeeping in Fiji’s domestic and national teams.

Sushil Singh, head of talent development for the southern region of Fiji FA, emphasized the crucial role of goalkeepers within a football team and expressed optimism about the program’s potential outcomes. He urged young players across the nation, along with their parents, to take advantage of this opportunity to learn from distinguished mentors in the sport.

Furthermore, similar initiatives like the School Holiday Football Development Programme reflect Fiji FA’s ongoing commitment to youth engagement through sports. These programs not only advance athletic skills but also instill important life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and camaraderie, contributing positively to personal development among young players.

Overall, the introduction of these grassroots goalkeeper training programs represents a promising step forward for the future of football in Fiji. As the association continues to invest in youth development, it sparks hope for a new generation of skilled athletes who may one day shine on both domestic and international stages.