Lautoka is poised to enhance its status as a key sporting hub in Fiji and the broader Pacific region with the proposed establishment of a new Western Hockey Academy. During a recent presentation to the Lautoka City Council and various stakeholders, Paul Fraser, president of the Western Hockey Development Trust, outlined an ambitious vision for this purpose-built academy, which aims to transform the city into a vibrant sporting, cultural, and economic center.
Fraser emphasized that the Western Hockey Academy would serve as a dedicated facility for hockey development, coaching, and high-performance training. It will offer clear and structured pathways for young players, bolster school competitions, and provide year-round training opportunities in a safe and inspiring environment. The focus is not only on athletic performance but also on fostering mentorship and personal growth among youth athletes from the Western Division.
An exciting aspect of the proposed academy is its commitment to multi-sport integration. The facility is envisioned to cater to hockey, futsal, and soccer, promoting widespread community use and encouraging participation across diverse sporting activities.
The project has garnered substantial support, including formal endorsement from New Zealand Heritage Hockey, which is dedicated to advancing the sport throughout the Pacific. Fraser expressed appreciation for this endorsement, recognizing it as a pivotal advancement in enhancing hockey development in the region.
With upgraded facilities on the horizon, Lautoka is expected to host international hockey test matches, regional tournaments, and Pacific development camps. This initiative could attract visiting teams from New Zealand, Australia, and Asia, ultimately leading to increased tourism, higher hotel occupancy rates, growth for local businesses, enhanced media exposure, and fostering a robust sense of community pride.
The development of the Western Hockey Academy represents a hopeful step forward not only for hockey enthusiasts but also for the revitalization of Lautoka’s sporting landscape, promising lasting benefits for the entire community.
Leave a comment