In the latest development for Suva primary school netball, the Suva Primary Schools Netball Association staged quarter-final matches at Vodafone Arena yesterday as selectors moved closer to finalising Team Suva for the National Primary Schools Netball tournament in Labasa.
Association president Elenoa Vadei, who is marking her 15th year in the role, said the quarter-finals represented a pivotal phase of the season with teams contesting across both Tier One and Tier Two grades and selectors closely monitoring emerging talent. “We are having our quarterfinals and at the same time we are finalizing the selection of players who will represent Team Suva to Labasa for the National Primary Schools Netball tournament,” Vadei said, underlining the dual focus on competition and talent identification.
This season has attracted 24 primary schools from across the district, a turnout Vadei described as “awesome,” praising the collective efforts of teachers, coaches and players in sustaining the competition. Organisers say the tournament — which began in the fourth week of the school term and has now reached its sixth week — has provided a clear platform for identification and development at the grassroots level.
One of the most notable developments this year has been marked progress in the youngest age group. Vadei highlighted the under-9 division as showing “significant improvement,” pointing out that many players who were asked to play above their age last year have now returned to their correct age group and are excelling. “Those girls who played up last year have really developed. They understand the game better now, and we are proud to see how well they are performing in the quarterfinals,” she said.
Vadei also emphasised the strengthening pathway from primary school competition through to higher representative honours. Having led the association for a decade and a half, she said the structure and scouting at this level are producing results, with several former Suva representatives progressing to international ranks. “We have seen several of our girls go on to become members of the national team. That shows the importance of strong grassroots development,” she added.
With semifinals and finals scheduled for next week, selectors will use the remaining matches to confirm the composition of Team Suva heading to Labasa. Vadei acknowledged the financial pressures of organising the district competition but expressed gratitude to sponsors whose support has helped keep the tournament running. The coming week’s fixtures will be watched closely as the association balances competitive outcomes with the selection of a squad to represent Suva at the national stage.
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