The Fiji Football Association, alongside FIFA and the Ministry of Education, is making strides in grassroots football by rolling out the FIFA Football for Schools (F4S) curriculum in primary schools within the Bua Province. Dama Primary School and Coboi Primary School are the first institutions to implement this exciting program.
The F4S initiative is part of FIFA’s broader global effort to enhance youth access to football by incorporating the sport into educational curricula. This program is not just about physical activity—it emphasizes vital life skills such as teamwork, respect, and leadership through engaging football-related activities.
As part of the launch, Dama and Coboi Primary Schools were equipped with footballs and training materials, and their teachers received specialized training tailored to effectively deliver the F4S digital curriculum. This initiative seeks to separate itself from traditional sports programs by promoting inclusivity and creating a foundation that supports children’s physical health alongside their social and emotional development.
Since its inception in Fiji in 2023, the F4S program has positively impacted over 160 schools nationwide and aims to expand this reach to all 736 primary schools by 2027. The initiative’s overarching mission is to positively influence the lives of more than 150,000 children, particularly in remote areas.
This grassroots program is a testament to the importance of integrating sports into education, nurturing the next generation of athletes, and helping to foster community connections through shared sporting experiences. As more children engage in these programs, they not only enhance their physical wellbeing but also develop friendships that can last a lifetime, promoting a hopeful future for football in Fiji.
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