The Fiji Football Association, in partnership with FIFA and the Ministry of Education, is expanding its grassroots football initiatives by introducing the FIFA Football for Schools (F4S) curriculum to primary schools in the Bua Province. Dama Primary School and Coboi Primary School have become the first schools to benefit from this vital program.
The F4S initiative is part of FIFA’s global effort to increase access to football for children, embedding it into educational systems. The program aims not only to enhance physical fitness but also to develop essential life skills such as teamwork, respect, and leadership through engaging football-based activities.
As part of this rollout, both Dama and Coboi Primary Schools received essential football equipment, including balls and training gear, provided by FIFA. Teachers at these schools also received specialized training to effectively implement the F4S digital curriculum, which is designed to promote both athletic and personal growth for children of all genders.
Since its launch in Fiji in 2023, the program has positively impacted over 160 schools, reaching remote areas including Kadavu, Yasawa, and Taveuni. The overarching goal is to integrate the curriculum into all 736 primary schools in Fiji by 2027, with the ambition of benefiting more than 150,000 children nationwide.
This initiative not only aims to improve physical activity among children but also fosters community connections and cultivates a lifelong interest in football. The sentiment behind such programs is hopeful, envisioning a future where sports involvement helps shape the characters and lives of young athletes across this beautiful Pacific nation.
The introduction of such enriching programs is a reminder of the important role sports play in youth development, providing a platform for children to learn vital life skills while promoting a healthy lifestyle.
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