There is no denying that most children in this generation grow up in what many call the “red zone” an environment that exposes them to danger and puts them at risk of getting involved in activities they should have been protected from.
But at the end of the day, it’s the child’s choice and what we can do as adults is the question every concerned parent or community member should be asking.
What better way to guide them than through sport?
That is exactly what AFL Fiji Talent Academy manager and development officer, Loata Vakausausa, believes.
She says the Australian Football League (AFL) has become more than just a sport for many young Fijians, it’s become a pathway to change.
While AFL is still growing in popularity in Fiji, the sport is providing a lifeline for youth who are often surrounded by violence, peer pressure and hardship at home.
Speaking after the AFL Fiji under-17 national trials last the weekend, Vakausausa said many of the young players came from difficult backgrounds.
“A lot of the boys were known to be a bit wild or came with behavior challenges, but through training and guidance we’ve been able to shape them, give them a bit of structure and purpose.”
She said most of the participants turn up for training not just to improve in the sport, but also to escape difficult home situations or negative influences in their communities.
“Some of them come just to get away from their environment, whether it’s problems at home or pressure from peers. For them, the AFL academy has become a safe space.”
Vakausausa said the AFL Fiji Talent Academy offers more than just drills and fitness sessions.
“It’s become a place where they feel supported. And now, they’re not just training, they’re dreaming of playing professionally, and some want to make it into AFL clubs in Australia one day,” she said.
The trials held in Suva were part of the final phase to select Fiji’s national U17 squad for the 2025 Pacific Cup in Cairns, Australia in September.
Over the weekend, AFL Fiji finalised its U17 squads, the Fiji Junior Tribe (boys) and Fiji Junior Vonu (girls), who will now begin preparing for the 2025 Pacific Cup.
Fiji Junior tribe include: Iimo Silomea (captain), Tavite Batidegei, Iveri Taivoce, Mosese Toroca, Tevita Togamatai , Penaia Banuve, Kolinio Tawake, Kitione Nasau, Lemeki Biukoto, Solomoni Vakaliwaliwa, Varasiko Ulunikoro, Apisalome Cama, William Taoba, Sevanai Bilivalu, Manasa Katonivere, Semi Tukana, Misieli Korotuku, Apakuki Vurabere, Daniele Matebalavu, Urai Lolomoci. Non-travelling reserves: Jonstaitino Victor, Ilaisa Naro and Matereti Balewai. Isimeli Qiolevu will serve as the head coach, with Jolame Bera as his assistant and Jekesoni Koroi taking on the role of team manager.
The Junior Vonu team includes Mereseini Taukei (captain), Inise Masi, Sesilia Waibuta, Lice Baleisuva, Makelesi Turuturuvesei, Suliana Daurua, Veniana Naitasi, Merewalesi Kolitapa, Tabitha Salusalu, Faith Muovano, Paulina Collin, Wasela Saurara, Jenviv Salailagi, Lucinda Bulatiko, Sala Balemaisuva, Salanieta Lewada, Talica Traill, Mereoni Senikavika, Katarina Natoga, Esther Lomani. Non-travelling reserves: Milika Botiki, Makereta Nakarawa and Paulina Lesuma. Reapi Delai will lead as head coach, supported by Kelera Nasilasila as the assistant coach.Vakausausa, who once played AFL herself, said she never expected the sport to grow this much in Fiji or to offer so many opportunities to young players.
“I used to play other sports before switching to AFL. I made the move, and it paid off. I got the chance to play and work in AFL,” she said.
She encouraged young players to take a chance and follow their passion if they want a future in the sport.
“If it’s your dream, go for it,” she said.
“There are always scouts watching these games. If you get selected for Fiji, you’re already on the radar. Just give it your best.”
For AFL Fiji, the goal isn’t just to build better players, it’s to build better young men and women.
And sometimes, all it takes is a ball, a team and a second chance.
