Goodman Fielder Fiji (GFF) has partnered with the Fiji Netball Association to sponsor the upcoming Fiji Secondary Schools Netball Championship, set to take place from August 21 to 23 at the National Netball Centre in Laucala, Suva. The event will now be officially known as the Crest Chicken Fiji Secondary School Netball Championship.
Netball Fiji CEO Vivian Koster emphasized that this collaboration is aimed at promoting netball within secondary schools. “It not only supports our school-based athletes but also helps grow grassroots netball,” Koster stated. She highlighted the importance of schools in nurturing future Fiji Pearls, noting that there is currently a 21 and under squad preparing for the Netball World Youth Cup, which includes 17 secondary school students.
This year’s championship will feature 132 teams competing across six grades, including a boys’ category. Each grade will consist of 22 teams, selected from various regions across the country, amounting to approximately 1980 players participating in the national championship.
FSSNA president Navitalai Naivalu expressed gratitude for Goodman Fielder’s continued support of netball’s development in Fiji. “We hope to strengthen our collaboration with GFF moving forward and look forward to a successful competition this year,” he remarked.
GFF general manager Tim Carter shared his enthusiasm for their involvement in secondary netball, stating that they see grassroots development as a valuable opportunity for growth. He noted the increasing participation of males in netball and expressed admiration for the netball association’s efforts and dedication to the sport in Fiji.
Carter reiterated GFF’s commitment to providing affordable and high-quality protein sources for athletes in Fiji. He recognized the potential for talent development among students aspiring to become future netball stars, stating that even if they do not reach elite levels, they can still contribute to the local sport. The sponsorship is designed to empower Netball Fiji in creating a platform for young local talents, enabling them to realize their potential as future representatives in the sport.