The Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA) has launched an exciting new initiative called the “Tabu Soro Futupolo ECE Comic Programme,” aimed at engaging children aged 4 to 6 in football while teaching essential life skills. The program was unveiled during a lively launch event at the Fiji FA Academy in Ba, attracting a significant turnout of parents and children.
Chief guest at the event, McDonald’s Fiji Managing Director Marc McElrath, was joined by Fiji FA legend Iosefo Vosaboto in celebrating this innovative approach to childhood engagement through football. The program creatively uses a comic book format to deliver important messages and football instructions catered to the young audience. Notable football figures such as Roy Krishna and Adi are featured as role models to inspire the children.
Louisa Simmons, the Project Lead, emphasized that the program transcends basic football training; it employs storytelling techniques to instill values such as teamwork, healthy living, and resilience, encapsulated in the phrase ‘Tabu Soro,’ which translates to “never give up.” Simmons expressed hope that this initiative would foster a passion for football among children and encourage them to dream big.
This initiative is set to expand, with plans to implement it in Early Childhood Education (ECE) centers across the Western, Southern, and Northern regions of Fiji, featuring weekly visits to kindergartens. The program builds upon a successful pilot project conducted in the prior year with assistance from coaches from Japan.
The launch of this program aligns with Fiji FA’s ongoing commitment to youth development as seen in similar initiatives like the School Holiday Football Development Programme. These programs create pathways for young athletes to hone their skills, potentially advancing to national representation. They also promote physical activity and personal growth, enriching community ties through sport and forming a supportive environment for children.
As these exciting initiatives develop, there is great potential for fostering a new generation of football enthusiasts in Fiji, contributing to both their physical and emotional well-being while cultivating a lifelong love for the game.
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