The Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA) has announced an exciting initiative to expand beach soccer into the maritime islands of Fiji as part of its strategy to develop the sport further. Chief Executive Mohammed Yusuf emphasized that this year will see several innovative plans aimed at uncovering untapped talent, particularly from the outer islands.
To facilitate this, notable beach soccer players, including Tevita Waranivalu, will embark on tours to various island groups such as Yasawa, Lomaiviti, and Lau. They intend to collaborate with provincial councils to identify suitable beaches where they can set up equipment and organize beach soccer festivals. This grassroots approach will allow children to engage with the sport in a natural, enjoyable setting.
Yusuf explained the plan involves scouting young talents during these festivals, who will then receive further training at the Fiji FA academy in either Ba or Labasa. This high-performance training period will last for two weeks, during which the most promising players will be selected to continue their development in preparation for future OFC competitions.
Additionally, the association is poised to officially open new beach soccer courts in Ba and Labasa next month, further highlighting their commitment to enhancing facilities and opportunities for the sport.
This initiative not only aims to promote beach soccer across Fiji but also to inspire and nurture the next generation of athletes, fostering a vibrant sporting culture within the community. By reaching out to remote islands, Fiji FA showcases its dedication to inclusivity and talent identification, ensuring that young players from all backgrounds have the opportunity to excel in beach soccer.
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