Former LA Galaxy player Israel Sesay has returned to Fiji to participate in an international development program aimed at nurturing young football talent. This initiative, organized by Riyaz Ali, has been in place for eight years under the International Youth Football Academy (IYFA) and invites professional players from the United States to conduct training sessions in Fiji.
Sesay, who gained recognition as one of the youngest recruits of LA Galaxy and played alongside football icon David Beckham, will be in Fiji for two weeks, focusing on enhancing the techniques and tactics of young players.
Ali shared that he and Sesay first met during Sesay’s visit to Fiji in 2013, where their mutual dedication to football development inspired this collaboration. They plan to identify local talent and offer them opportunities to compete on the international stage.
“When Ali asked me to come and help out with the kids, it was a no-brainer for me. I love doing what I do because I’m trying to pass on my knowledge—what I’ve learned playing professionally and from all these big coaches—and help these kids grow,” Sesay stated.
With Sesay’s guidance, the initiative aims to improve the skills of Fijian youth, potentially opening doors for them to pursue professional football careers.