THE Lautoka Primary Schools’ Football Association Inter-Primary Soccer Competition 2026 kicked off on a strong note, with 40 matches played on the opening day across several grades.
The competition featured the Suka, Saqamoli, Drua, Tabua boys, Tabua girls and open under-10 girls categories, with schools from across the Lautoka district taking part.
A major highlight was the introduction of the first U10 girls tournament in the history of the competition.
Five schools, Tavarau Primary School, Drasa Avenue Primary School, Lautoka Methodist Primary School, Lovu Sangam Primary School and Ahmadiyya Muslim Primary School — took part in the inaugural girls’ competition.
The open U10 girls final will see Lovu Sangam Primary School face Ahmadiyya Muslim Primary School.
Lautoka Primary Schools’ Football Association president Shekar Sharan said the introduction of the girls’ competition was an important milestone for primary school football in the district.
The tournament provides young girls with an opportunity to compete at an early age while developing their football skills, confidence, teamwork and sportsmanship.
The opening day also marked the first appearance of Vitogo District Primary School in the inter-primary soccer competition.
Their participation further highlights the continued growth of primary school football in the Lautoka district.
All categories were played in a round-robin format, giving teams multiple opportunities to compete before the top two sides qualified for the finals.
The finals confirmed are Lautoka Arya Samaj Primary School against Tavarau Primary School in the Drua U10 Boys, Drasa Primary School against Ahmadiyya Muslim Primary School in the Saqamoli U10 Boys, and Lautoka Central Primary School against Lautoka Methodist Primary School in the Suka U10 Boys.
In the Tabua boys final, Teidamu Primary School will meet Shiri Ram Govind Primary School, while Lovu Sangam will face Ahmadiyya Muslim Primary School in the open Under-10 girls final.
The Tabua girls competition was completed on the opening day, with Shiri Ram Govind Primary School crowned champions after finishing ahead of Teidamu Primary School.
With 40 matches completed, the association said the opening day demonstrated the enthusiasm and commitment of players, teachers, coaches, officials and schools towards the development of primary school football in Lautoka.
Drasa Avenue Primary School girls team participating in the Lautoka Primary School Football Association Inter Primary Soccer competition. Picture: SUPPLIED
Lovu Sangam Primary School U10 girls team participating in the Lautoka Primary School Football Association Inter Primary Soccer competition. Picture: SUPPLIED
