Labasa will host the national primary schools netball competition for the first time in 11 years, bringing the country’s top young players to Subrail Park from April 27 to May 1. The week-long tournament marks a significant return of high‑profile school sport to the North and organisers say it will provide a rare chance for local families and supporters to see rising netball talent in their own region.
Rita Kamutoa, president of Labasa Primary School Netball, described the hosting rights as a “proud moment” for the district and said the staging team has been working to ensure visiting teams are well looked after. “It’s a golden opportunity for our young players to showcase their talent in front of their families and local supporters,” she said. Kamutoa confirmed the event will take place at Subrail Park, Labasa’s main sporting venue.
Organisers expect participation from roughly 23 to 24 districts across Fiji, with teams travelling from around the country to compete across primary-school grades. To accommodate the influx of players, local arrangements have been made to billet visiting teams in nearby schools, church halls and military facilities, Kamutoa said, with the aim of ensuring comfortable accommodation and easy access to match venues.
Sponsorship for the nationals will come from Crest, which Kamutoa said has committed both financial support and playing kits for all districts. “They’re not only helping financially but also providing kits to all districts, ensuring every team is ready to compete at their best,” she said. Kamutoa also noted that travel costs have been eased by school grants, which organisers say has helped make participation more feasible for many districts.
In a departure from usual practice, Labasa district will field two teams in some grades rather than the customary single entry. Kamutoa framed the decision as part of a push to maximise development and exposure for local players: “Normally, we only take one team, but we want to maximise opportunities for development and exposure.” The extra entries are expected to give more children match experience at a national level and strengthen the district’s talent pipeline.
The return of the nationals to Labasa after more than a decade is being touted as a boost for netball’s profile in the North. Beyond the immediate competition, organisers hope the event will stimulate greater community engagement with youth sport, encourage sustained participation in netball, and create pathways for talented players to progress to district and national programs. With nationwide participation, corporate backing and community support, the Subrail Park tournament aims to be both a showcase of young talent and a milestone for sport development in the region.
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