The McDonald’s talent development league competition commenced its first round of matches at the Fiji FA Academy grounds in Vatuwaqa last Saturday. The Suva under-12 team had an outstanding showing, winning both their matches: they triumphed over Rewa with a score of 3-0 and secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Navua.
This five-week competition features under-10, under-12, and under-14 age groups, with teams from the Western, Southern, and Northern regions of Fiji participating. The excitement is building for the McDonald’s Inter-District competition, which is set to take place during the school break in the second term.
Suva’s head coach, Jerry Sam, also the national futsal coach, emphasized the extensive preparation the Suva teams have undergone this year. He is dedicated to teaching the young players fundamental skills to nurture their talent and commented on the depth of ability within the teams, not just representing Suva but also from Navua and Rewa.
Despite their successful start, Sam acknowledged that the team became complacent in their second match, which led to a tighter scoreline. He reflected on the importance of maintaining focus and learning from experiences to improve their performance in future matches. Sam expressed his gratitude to the parents and supporters who turned out in large numbers, demonstrating a shared passion for the sport.
In a similar vein, the Suva under-11 team recently opened their campaign in the McDonald’s Talent Development Inter-District Championship with an impressive 3-0 win over Dreketi. Both teams have shown strong performances, driven by rigorous training and preparation. The emphasis on learning and growing through competition represents a promising outlook for the future of youth football in Fiji.
This competitive environment not only develops individual players’ skills but also fosters community engagement, showcasing the strong support from families and local fans.
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