LAUTOKA will become the centre of secondary school hockey in Fiji from today when 13 schools converge at the Nadovu Grounds for the Fiji Secondary Schools Hockey Tournament.
The four-day tournament, which runs from today until Saturday, will provide a platform for some of the country’s promising young players to test themselves against the best in their age groups.
The tournament will feature competition in only the under-16 and U19 grades, with the boys’ division comprising eight teams each and the girls’ division featuring 11 teams each.
A total of 19 teams from Suva, 10 from Lautoka and nine from Ovalau will take part, with Kalabu Secondary School making their debut in the tournament.
The defending champions will also be looking to retain their titles, with Marist Brothers High School the U16 boys champions, Saint Thomas High School the U16 girls winners, Suva Grammar School the U19 girls champions and Levuka Public School the U19 boys holders.
The tournament is more than a four-day battle for school honours, with organisers viewing it as an important investment in the future of the sport.
Fiji Secondary Schools Hockey Association president Makelesi Adireki-Mawi said the competition would help young players develop qualities that extend beyond the hockey field.
“Sport provides young people with an opportunity to develop discipline, teamwork, leadership, resilience and confidence,” Adireki-Mawi said.
She also acknowledged the contribution of the tournament sponsors, including IHG Group of Hotels, Vuda Marina, Plantation Island Resort and Yasawa Island Resort.
Fiji Hockey Federation president Chad Eastgate said the tournament was an important part of the national hockey calendar and would contribute to the federation’s long-term development pathway.
The competition gives players an opportunity to gain experience with the ultimate goal of progressing to district, national and international representation.
Eastgate said the tournament would also provide opportunities for coaches and officials to develop while bringing schools from different regions together.
Hosting the tournament in Lautoka is another important aspect of the competition, with organisers keen to strengthen the Western Division’s contribution to the development of hockey.
