Goodman Fielder Fiji (GFF) has partnered with the Fiji Netball Association to sponsor the upcoming Fiji Secondary Schools Netball Championship, scheduled for August 21 to 23 at the National Netball Centre in Laucala, Suva. The competition will be referred to as the Crest Chicken Fiji Secondary School Netball Championship.
Vivian Koster, CEO of Netball Fiji, stated that this collaboration is part of their efforts to promote netball at the secondary school level. “This not only supports our school-based athletes but also contributes to the growth of grassroots netball,” said Koster. She highlighted that schools play a vital role in developing future Fiji Pearls, noting that there is currently a 21 and under squad preparing for the Netball World Youth Cup, which includes 17 students from secondary schools.
This year, the Crest Chicken Fiji Secondary School Netball Championship will feature 132 teams competing across six grades, including a boys’ grade. Each grade will consist of 22 teams, with the finest teams selected from various rallies held throughout the country. Approximately 1,980 players are expected to participate in the national championship.
FSSNA president Navitalai Naivalu expressed gratitude for Goodman Fielder’s ongoing support in developing netball in Fiji. “We look forward to collaborating further with GFF and hope for a successful competition this year,” he said.
GFF general manager Tim Carter shared their enthusiasm for supporting secondary netball. “We view grassroots netball development as a chance to foster growth and are excited to see more males participating in competitions,” he remarked. Carter praised the netball association’s commitment to advancing the sport in Fiji.
He reiterated GFF’s dedication to providing quality, affordable, and healthy protein sources for athletes in Fiji, emphasizing the importance of talent development for aspiring netball players. “Even if they don’t reach the elite level, these athletes can still make valuable contributions to the sport locally,” said Carter. The sponsorship aims to empower Netball Fiji in creating a platform for local young talents, helping them realize their potential as future representatives in netball.