CHAMPIONING the cause of diverting youths from the onset of drugs and alcohol coupled with the alignment of their spiritual wellbeing is the story of the ANCF Nakelo Covenant Brothers under-18-21 team at the Fiji Bitter Nawaka 7s.

The team went down to the Nabouwalu Selection side 7-14 in their first pool match yesterday.

Despite the loss, coach Marika Rakai says the team’s aim for the Nawaka 7s was to gain exposure.

“This program (the team) was made with the intent of enlightening the youths so that they can avoid being tempted by the strong attraction of alcohol,”Rakai said.

Rakai admitted the team faced several hurdles but they viewed it as a stepping stone towards the achievement of their goals.

“We have faced a number of challenges yet we are thankful for enduring it since it has strengthened us,” he explained.

“We would train by running along the highway, or along the coast at Nasilai so that we could prepare ourselves to reach here.”

With a 7-14 loss to their first opponents, the team is looking past it and has placed its hopes in the prospect of divine guidance.

“It is unfortunate that we lost 7-14 but we’re not looking at that but have looked towards the Lord since this is our first tournament and are building up on our structure so that we can improve in our next game,” he said.

The team is grouped in Pool Seven with Aqua Pro Savuiqali, Nabouwalu Enterprise Selection and Flying Tiger.