THE St Kilda Football Club is looking to strengthen its partnership with Fiji by creating opportunities for young Fijians to explore Australian rules football while promoting education, skills development and business connections between the two countries.
The club’s chief executive officer, Carl Dilen, highlighted the importance of the partnership during the St Kilda AFL x Fiji Business Leadership Conference at Sofitel Fiji Beach Resort and Spa in Denarau, Nadi yesterday.
Dilen said the partnership extended beyond tourism, with a strong focus on connecting businesses and people, supporting local communities and encouraging greater participation in sport.
“This is a key component of that entire partnership,” he said.
He said the conference provided an opportunity for Australian visitors to better understand Fiji’s culture and business environment while exploring ways to strengthen economic relationships between the two countries.
The programme included a cultural visit to Navaco Village, while Investment Fiji representatives shared insights into business opportunities and potential connections between Fiji and Australia.
Dilen said one of the key messages from the conference was the role sport could play in improving people’s lives beyond the playing field.
He pointed to former Fijian born Australian West Coast Eagles star Nic Naitanui, as an example of the influence athletes could have through their contributions to sport and the wider community.
Dilen acknowledged Fiji’s strong rugby union culture but said Australian rules football could provide an alternative pathway for young people who might be better suited to other sporting codes.
He said the club wanted to encourage healthy lifestyles through sports participation while exploring opportunities for talented Fijians to pursue careers in Australian football.
“If there are young people who are better suited for other sports and maybe don’t play rugby, we give them an opportunity.
“As some of the young people have an opportunity in rugby union, then maybe there’s an opportunity in another sport as well.”
Dilen also confirmed that St Kilda was keen to continue bringing its teams to Fiji following the successful visit by its women’s team earlier this year.
He said the team’s school visits and the reception it received from local communities had been encouraging, with the club considering future visits by either its men’s or women’s teams.
Dilen said bringing players to Fiji was a valuable experience for the club, allowing them to connect with local communities while strengthening the relationship between St Kilda and the Pacific nation.
