Goodman Fielder Fiji (GFF) has partnered with the Fiji Netball Association to sponsor the upcoming Fiji Secondary Schools Netball Championship, which will take place from August 21 to 23 at the National Netball Centre in Laucala, Suva. The championship will be officially titled the Crest Chicken Fiji Secondary School Netball Championship.
Netball Fiji CEO Vivian Koster highlighted that this collaboration aims to promote netball at the secondary school level. “This not only supports our school-based athletes but also fosters grassroots netball development,” Koster stated. She mentioned that the schools are essential in nurturing future Fiji Pearls, noting that the 21 and under squad currently preparing for the Netball World Youth Cup includes 17 secondary school students.
A total of 132 teams are expected to participate in this year’s championship, which will feature six grades, including a boys’ category. Each grade will comprise 22 teams selected from the six rallies held across the country, with approximately 1,980 players set to compete in the national event.
FSSNA president Navitalai Naivalu expressed gratitude for Goodman Fielder’s ongoing support for netball development in Fiji and expressed hopes for further collaboration in the future to ensure a successful competition this year.
GFF general manager Tim Carter expressed excitement about their involvement in secondary netball, viewing grassroots development as a key opportunity for growth. He noted the increasing male participation in netball competitions and praised the netball association’s dedication to the sport’s development in Fiji.
Carter committed to providing quality, affordable, and healthy protein sources for athletes in Fiji and emphasized the importance of talent development for aspiring netball players. “Even if these athletes do not reach the elite level, they can still make valuable contributions to local netball,” he added. The sponsorship aims to empower Netball Fiji to create opportunities for local young talent, helping them achieve their potential as future representatives in the sport.