The new Nadi netball season was officially launched last week in the Western Division, marking a renewed focus on grassroots development and creating more opportunities for young athletes to progress in the sport.
The launch, opened by Netball Transition Oversight Committee Chair, Vasiti Vugakoto, brought together players, officials, parents, and supporters to celebrate the start of another promising season under the Nadi Netball Association.
Speaking as Chief Guest, Vugakoto emphasised the importance of balancing education and sport, while sharing her personal journey to inspire young players.
One of the key highlights of her address was encouraging young girls to believe in themselves and remain disciplined in both academics and sport. She shared that if she was able to represent Fiji at the age of 16, then they too can achieve their dreams through hard work, dedication, and sacrifice.
The association reiterated that the main goal of the season launch is to strengthen development pathways for young players, particularly those who may have missed out on Nadi Primary and Secondary Schools competitions.
Nadi Netball Association VP, Amelia Vuna said, “Our expectation for the season launch is to create opportunities for young netball talents, especially those who may have missed out on the Nadi Primary and Secondary Schools competitions, to develop their skills and gain exposure to the sport from an early age.
This year’s competition features 12 teams across multiple divisions, including Under-9, Under-12, Under-14, Under-16, Under-18, as well as Open Women’s and Open Men’s grades.
The initiative continues to promote participation, teamwork, and grassroots development across the community.
The season launch also acknowledged the strong support behind the event, including officials who travelled from Suva, Nadroga, and Lautoka to attend, as well as the Nadi umpires whose ongoing commitment continues to strengthen the sport locally.
Recent performances at the Fiji Primary Netball Competition further highlight Nadi’s rising talent, with the Under-14 Tier 2 team winning their division, while both Under-9 Tier 1 and Tier 2 teams finished as runners-up.
“Nadi Netball has shown tremendous growth over recent years,” says Mrs Vuna, adding that these achievements reflect the talent, commitment, and future potential within the system.
As the season begins, the focus remains on developing young athletes, strengthening community participation, and ensuring netball continues to thrive at all levels in Nadi.
