The Fiji Secondary Schools Netball Association is urging Netball Fiji to release outstanding sponsorship funds from Goodman Fielder Fiji that are intended to support grassroots netball initiatives across the country. Last year, Goodman Fielder Fiji provided a total of $35,000 in sponsorship to assist with various expenses, including venue costs for tournaments. However, the Fiji Secondary Schools Netball Association, led by President Navitalai Naivalu, has reported that they only received $23,000, as Netball Fiji withheld $12,000.
Naivalu expressed concerns regarding the unavailability of the remaining funds, stating, “This year, when we asked them to release the 12,000, they have deducted 3,500 as admin costs.” He added that despite providing all necessary documentation and receipts, they have yet to receive the balance of $8,500.
In contrast, Netball Fiji’s response indicates that they are currently unable to complete financial reporting for the 2024 sponsorship due to outstanding acquittal reports from the Secondary Schools Netball Association. They noted that despite their formal request for documentation in February, they had not received adequate responses, which is hindering their ability to disburse the necessary funds.
This situation is part of a larger narrative involving grassroots netball development supported by Goodman Fielder. The company has previously partnered with the Fiji Primary and Secondary School Netball Associations to kickstart quality initiatives aimed at fostering youth participation and nurturing future talented athletes in Fiji. Goodman Fielder has expressed its commitment to supporting the development of netball by providing essential nutrition and resources, which is crucial for cultivating young sporting talent.
Despite the current challenges surrounding funding and documentation, there remains optimism about the potential for growth in the sport. The ongoing development, alongside collaborations with corporate partners like Goodman Fielder Fiji, holds promise for nurturing aspiring athletes and enhancing the netball community across Fiji.
This hopeful trajectory emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability, which, when resolved, can lead to a more robust foundation for netball and allow the sport to thrive at both local and national levels.
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