By Rajesh Patel
Fiji FA President
As more than 400 players will lace up their boots once again at this year’s Courts Inter District Championship, It is my pleasure and privilege to welcome you all to the 84th edition of the tournament at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
The Courts IDC, which began in 1938, is traditionally the most prestigious and oldest tournament in Fiji. It is an icon of Fiji FA which carries a lot of fond memories for the past generation of players and officials who have worked hard to see the fans get the best display of football. We remember and honor them for their wonderful contribution.
Only five teams (Suva, Rewa, Ba, Levuka, and Lautoka) first took part in the first IDC held in Suva in 1938. From 1938 to 1975, the competition was initially held in a knock-out format but in 1976 pool play was introduced.
This year once again our 20 affiliated member associations will take part in the tournament in three divisions, which are Super Premier, Premier, and Senior Division.
It’s going to be five days football festival with exciting fixtures in all divisions as all the teams have known their fate and whom they will battle during the Group stages after the pool draws were done three weeks ago and trust me it’s going to be interesting as well.
This year has indeed been a great year of football as we have seen the quality and competitive Digicel Premier League, Digicel Fiji FACT, Punjas Battle of the Giants Tournament, and more are expected at the 2022 Courts IDC.
Apart from the other major tournaments this year, we witnessed our Digicel Women’s Football side compete in the OFC Women’s Nations Cup unfortunately finished second in the tournament but won the hearts of many football fans,
Recently our national futsal boys created history by holding Oceania Champions Solomon Island 6-6 in the group stages of the OFC Futsal Cup 2022 which we hosted at Vodafone Arena in Suva despite bowing out of the finals.
Our Digicel Junior Bula Boys have also booked a flight to the FIFA U20 World Cup next year in Indonesia which is also a milestone achievement for Fiji FA and this all is only possible with the support of our sponsors.
A sponsor like Courts (Fiji) has proved that they are indeed a wonderful corporate citizen of the country and has taken a very sincere interest to assist in the development of football in our beloved country.
Courts have sponsored this prestigious tournament since 2000 and have made the tournament virtually their own with a very close working relationship.
On behalf of the Fiji Football family, I would like to thank Courts for their continued support. Without sponsors, it would be very hard for Fiji FA to survive on its own.
With Courts support, a total of $44,000 will be given out in prizemoney. It is not only prizemoney we give out to the districts but we also give them preparation grants, traveling, and accommodation.
The winner of the main competition receives $25,000 while the runner-up walks away with $6000.
In the Premier Division, the winner gets $6000 while the runner-up receives $2000 and in the senior division, the winner gets $3500 while the runner-up receives $1500.
There will be winners and losers but I encourage the players and officials to show true sportsmanship and make football to the ultimate winner.
I look forward to an exciting 2022 Courts IDC in Suva. Fans from around the country and abroad are looking to the friendly clash of district pride to come up with a true champion for the IDC.
I wish all the teams participating at the 2022 Courts Inter District Championship and the fans an enjoyable tournament and pleasant weekend where we will celebrate our FIJI DAY.
May the best team win and God Bless Fiji.
