TEENAGERS from across the country gathered at Albert Park in Suva yesterday for the AFL Fiji under-17 national trials, each aiming to earn a place in the team that will travel to Australia in September.
The trials are part of preparations for the Pacific Cup scheduled to be held in Cairns.
The sport, which involves a mix of kicking, hand-passing, and running across an oval-shaped field, is still growing in Fiji.
Academy manager and development officer Loata Vakausausa said selectors are looking for players who can perform the specific skills required in AFL.
“Basically it’s all those things that they’ve learned during training, the skills, because with AFL the skill level is quite unique from other kinds of sports, and the physicality. Basically everything they were taught in training, and hopefully they execute it today.”
Many of the players at the trials came through AFL Fiji’s youth development programs.
Vakausausa said some came from troubled homes and communities.
“A lot of kids come from different kinds of background. They were naughty kids, so we had to try and mould that particular attitude and just give them a little bit of discipline,” she said.
“This is a sport where they come for AFL training just to be away from their peers back at the hood or the family. Most of these kids face problems back at home. We kind of have this AFL Academy development as a safe haven for these kids.”
Having once played the sport herself, Vakausausa said opportunities now exist for young players to take AFL further.
“If it’s your dream, then go for it. There’s always opportunity once they have that chance to play for Fiji. There’s always scouts up there, give it your best and give it all.”
The final squad is expected to be named today.
