Preliminary games will be played from Thursday 29th September through to Saturday 1st October and culminating in the Final on Sunday 2nd October.
Fiji U17 squads will be joined by elite Australian teams from International Football Group, NSW and Capital Football, ACT in what is a most anticipated challenge for our developing youth players.
Managing Director of Ultimate Sports Travel & Events, Bruce Tilt has instigated the event with the assistance of Fiji Football Association. Bruce is excited at the opportunity to see some of the best young talent in Oceania battle for supremacy in what is expected to be an even contest.
Fiji has prepared well with two squads while the Australian teams have just completed tough seasons. Conditions will be a factor with the visiting teams looking to adjust to the warmer weather.
Capital Football in particular has had a cold winter and their coach Pat McCann has expressed his desire to attack early in the games to establish a platform. It is no secret they respect their opponents but with a youthful squad it will be hard to sit back in any games.
International Football Group has a new crop of players from the team that was so successful in New Caledonia in 2010. Just two players remain from that squad and their international experience will be invaluable to pass to the other squad members. Coach Alan Paine has a tremendous passion for the game and this comes through in his player’s attitude to free flowing football.
Fiji South open the tournament against International Football Group tomorrow at 2pm, Prince Charles Park, Nadi.
About the visiting sides:
CAPITAL FOOTBALL
This squad has been selected from players in the state of ACT, Australia with 140 nominations. Several of the players come from Woden FC and will form the basis of the combination play. ACT has for many years been very competitive in the Australian National Titles and this squad will again prove strong opposition.
INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL GROUP
IFG have been operating for over 30 years working in Sydney, NSW with young players to develop their individual skills and then put this in practise with overseas touring against quality opposition. Many players from the ranks of IFG have gone onto National selection with several plying their trade in Europe.
IFG has a proud record of allowing players to express themselves on the field, be relaxed in their play but still work in a structured system. The comradeship is developed throughout the tour and thus the longer the tour the better the squads will play.
By Bruce Tilt
