Fiji’s automatic qualification for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games is a momentous achievement for the nation’s futsal programme, but it also brings considerable expectations on the young players to perform and justify their place on the global stage.
Following the disappointing showing of Fiji’s U17 team at the FIFA U17 World Cup, the spotlight now falls on the U16 futsal stars, who have begun their selection process under the watchful eye of national head coach José Gerrado.
More than 30 hopefuls, both boys and girls, attended the opening trials at the Fiji FA Futsal Court in Suva, highlighting the growing enthusiasm for futsal among the youth.
Gerrado has made it is clear that raw talent alone will not be enough.
“We are not just looking for skills, we are looking for commitment, discipline, and the right attitude to represent Fiji on the Olympic stage,” he emphasised.
“Our direct qualification is an honour, but it also means we must work even harder.”
The coach acknowledges that the previous U17 team’s results have raised expectations.
“Our U16 players must step up and justify this qualification. The world will be watching, and we need to prepare a team capable of competing at the highest level,” he said.
With further trials planned in the Western and Northern divisions early next year, Gerrado is determined to make the selection process inclusive, ensuring no promising talent is overlooked.
“Talent exists across the whole country,” he said.
“Every child with potential deserves a chance to show what they can bring.”
The path ahead is challenging, but Gerrado remains optimistic. “Today was just the beginning.
If the enthusiasm continues like this, we can build a team that will make Fiji proud,” he said.
As Fiji prepares to make its debut at the Youth Olympics, the U16 futsal squad will need to rise to the occasion and carry the nation’s hopes with pride and determination.
