The Labasa Town Council is considering the opportunity to host the FMF Inter District Championship (IDC) organized by the Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA). This discussion follows the success of the Extra Supermarket Labasa football team, which recently claimed victory in this year’s IDC tournament held in Lautoka.
Paul Jaduram, the council’s special administrator, expressed that if Fiji FA approves their proposal, it would be a significant occasion since Labasa last hosted the IDC in 1975, marking a 50-year gap. The only other time Labasa held the IDC was in 1969.
Jaduram pointed out that Fiji FA has specific requirements that need to be fulfilled before the tournament can be hosted in Labasa. One of the key conditions is the availability of two and a half playing pitches at Subrail Park. This is necessary as around 20 district teams are expected to participate across three divisions.
He explained that the main pitch would host Super Premier matches while the second pitch would be designated for Premier and Senior division games. The additional half pitch would serve for training and warm-up activities.
Additionally, Jaduram mentioned that the newly constructed Fiji FA Labasa Academy boasts two standard-sized pitches, which could serve as alternative venues for the Premier and Senior matches.
In addition to this year’s proposals, Jaduram indicated that the council is also planning to work towards bringing the IDC tournament back to Labasa in 2026. As a former president of Labasa FA, he emphasized his commitment to making the event happen.
Beyond the sporting aspect, Jaduram highlighted the economic benefits of hosting the tournament, noting that it could attract football fans from Viti Levu and overseas, thereby stimulating the local economy during the week-long event.
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