FIJI Football Association (Fiji FA) president, Rajesh Patel, has urged districts to give equal emphasis to their youth sides who he believes could be future assets for them.
He made the comments yesterday during the launch of the Vodafone under-19 league at the Fiji FA headquarters in Vatuwaqa.
Patel said Fiji FA with the help of sponsors Vodafone and the support from FIFA was supporting teams with coaches, transportation for matches, meals on match day and playing equipment.
“This (Youth League) is your future too if you want to make your districts powerful. We (Fiji FA) are investing the money but you have to come in and help these young players,” Patel said.
“Fiji FA can only do so much, we give transportation, coaches, meals, playing equipment and now district have to come and put in the extra effort. I ask the district officials this is your opportune time to see the players who are best in your districts mould them together so that you do not have to spend $5000 or $10,000 to buy players from other districts.
“Time for districts to come and put their hands together to make sure you groom your youths who are the future for your districts,” he said.
With the launch of the Youth League yesterday the southern zonal matches also started at the Fiji FA Academy grounds. Rewa, Suva, Tailevu Naitasiri, Nasinu and Navua are part of the Southern Division.
Adriu Vakarau, the sponsorship manager for Vodafone Fiji, said they hoped that their support would contribute towards the development of the game.
“Vodafone has been partnering with Fiji FA to support the development of football for the past eight years, the true reflection of our passion and commitment for the sport can be seen in our bid to firm up the foundation of football by supporting the grassroots level,” he said.
“The Vodafone U19 League will help develop the sport in the country and I think this is where we need to invest to have a better future for the sport in the country.
“We are confident that through our financial boost and support we will help mould the young bloods of today to stars of tomorrow.”
FIFA development officer Ronen Hesrcho who is currently in Fiji as part of his regional visit applauded the efforts of Fiji FA. He also spoke highly of the Fiji FA management.
