DEFENDING Nadi Football Association local league champions Blues FC One was held to a 2-all draw by Namaka at Prince Charles Park on Sunday.
District reps William Valentine and Afraz Ali featured for the Blues team while Ilimotama Jese guided Namaka.
Fiji Football Association head coach Christophe Gamel was the chief guest during the ceremony.
Nadi Football Associatioin president Javed Ahmed said Gamel inspired the players to display their best skills.
He said they had kicked off their local league early so players could be selected into the district team.
“We are grateful to KK’S Hardware for sponsoring the club competition,” Ahmed said.
“It is through the club competition that we can scout players for district duties. It is the pathway to the national team. We are encouraging more youths to join the clubs. There will be a junior competition starting soon with the vision for grassroots development.”
In the opening encounter Downtown Blues beat Malolo 5-0.
The local league will be played on a weekly basis.