Young girls in Suva were inspired during a special training session with Fiji’s national under-21 netball team, the Baby Pearls, over the weekend. The event, held at the Rabi Buakonikai Youth Sports program in Toorak, is intended not only to enhance local talent but also to foster confidence, teamwork, and leadership among young athletes.
Team manager Lusiana Rakavono emphasized the importance of community engagement, stating that the Baby Pearls players were able to connect with the girls while helping them improve their netball skills through practical drills and fun games. “It gave our players a chance to lead, and it showed the young girls what’s possible,” Rakavono said, highlighting the role of mentorship in sports.
As the Baby Pearls prepare for an upcoming international tournament, they are focusing on skill development and teamwork. They will be competing against the Blaze Netball U21 and New South Wales Fijian U21 teams at the Vodafone Arena in Suva from July 7 to 11. This event will not only challenge the players but will also provide vital match experience as they aim to strengthen their performance ahead of the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar.
The team’s current training regimen includes fitness work, team-building activities, and practice matches. Rakavono encouraged the public to show support by attending games and cheering for the Baby Pearls, which underscores the community’s role in sustaining the momentum behind local sports initiatives.
This ongoing commitment to outreach and development reflects the broader ambitions of the Baby Pearls, who hope to not only succeed in the tournament but also inspire future generations of netball players in Fiji. With determination and the right support, there is a palpable sense of optimism surrounding the future of netball in Fiji.
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