Goodman Fielder Fiji (GFF) has partnered with the Fiji Netball Association to become the sponsor of the upcoming Fiji Secondary Schools Netball Championship, scheduled for August 21 to 23 at the National Netball Centre in Laucala, Suva. The event will now be recognized as the Crest Chicken Fiji Secondary School Netball Championship.
Netball Fiji CEO Vivian Koster highlighted the importance of this collaboration in promoting netball at the secondary school level. She emphasized that it not only supports school athletes but also contributes to the development of grassroots netball. Koster noted, “Our schools develop our future Fiji Pearls. We currently have a 21 and under squad preparing for the Netball World Youth Cup, which includes 17 secondary school students.”
This year, the championship expects to feature 132 teams. The tournament will be divided into six grades, including a boys’ category, with 22 teams in each grade, selected from rallies held across the country. Approximately 1,980 players are anticipated to participate in the national championship.
FSSNA president Navitalai Naivalu expressed gratitude for Goodman Fielder’s continued support for netball development in Fiji. He is hopeful for further collaboration with GFF in the future to ensure a successful competition.
GFF general manager Tim Carter conveyed excitement about their involvement in secondary netball. He noted the importance of grassroots netball development and was encouraged by the increasing participation of males in competitions. Carter also reiterated their commitment to providing affordable and healthy protein sources for athletes in Fiji, aiming to support talent development and help students achieve their aspirations in netball, whether or not they reach the elite level.
The sponsorship is intended to empower Netball Fiji to create a platform for local young talents, enabling them to realize their full potential as future representatives in the sport.