The Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA) has initiated grassroots goalkeeper training programs across its academies in Ba, Labasa, and Suva, catering to aspiring young goalkeepers. This initiative is designed to cultivate talent and provide participants with essential technical and tactical skills needed for higher levels of competition.

In Ba, the sessions will be led by national goalkeeper coach Sanaila Waqanicakau, who brings extensive experience from top-level football to the training. Meanwhile, at the Labasa Academy, the training will be headed by Shamal Kumar, a former national goalkeeper, recognized for his deep understanding of the game, which is expected to encourage young goalkeepers in the northern region.

The Suva Academy will feature Ricardo Ferrando Gusta, an experienced goalkeeper coach from Spain. His international coaching background will offer participants insights into techniques and strategies prevalent in European football, significantly broadening their learning experience.

This grassroots program is a crucial part of Fiji FA’s broader initiative to develop talent among younger players, particularly focusing on specialized positions like goalkeeping. The program aims to identify promising talents and enhance the overall quality of goalkeepers for Fiji’s domestic and national teams.

Sushil Singh, Fiji FA’s Head of Talent Development South, emphasized the importance of goalkeepers within a team and expressed confidence that this initiative, featuring skilled coaches and international expertise, will yield exceptional results. He encouraged young players from across the nation to take advantage of this opportunity to work with leading mentors in the field.

In connection with Fiji FA’s commitment to youth development, it mirrors previous initiatives like the recent School Holiday Football Development Programme, which also aims to nurture young athletes in football. This consistent investment in youth sporting programs is essential for fostering athletic prowess while instilling life skills such as teamwork and discipline among participants.

Overall, this grassroots goalkeeper training initiative represents a hopeful step toward building a stronger foundation for football in Fiji, fostering the next generation of talented athletes who may one day represent their country on the international stage.