The Fiji U17 Girls futsal team has entered its final phase of preparations for the upcoming Youth Olympic Games in Senegal, with a two-week camp currently underway at the Fiji Football Association Academy in Vatuwaqa.
Coach Joses Gerardo said the camp would play a crucial role in selecting the final 10 athletes who will represent Fiji at the prestigious international event.
“This camp is the final observation camp and it will determine the final list of 10 players who will represent Fiji in the Youth Olympic Games,” Gerardo said.
The squad has been undergoing fitness and tactical drills at the FMF Gymnasium in Suva, with the coaching staff closely monitoring player performances.
Gerardo said the selection process had been extensive, with players identified and assessed over several months through various local competitions.
“It has been a lengthy process because all the girls are football players and we have been monitoring them carefully throughout the season,” he said.
“The biggest observation opportunity for us was during the Extra Fiji FA Secondary Schools Futsal Championship, where we were able to assess the players in a competitive environment.”
Fiji qualified to represent the Oceania Football Confederation in the women’s competition and will compete against teams from Iran, Cameroon, Senegal, Costa Rica, Colombia, Italy and Ukraine.
Gerardo believes the tournament will provide invaluable exposure for the young players and help elevate the standard of women’s futsal in the country.
“This is a massive opportunity for these girls to compete internationally and gain experience against some of the best young futsal players in the world,” he said.
“We are focusing on discipline, teamwork and understanding the futsal system so the players can perform confidently when they reach Senegal.”
The Youth Olympic Games futsal competition will feature eight women’s teams from six football confederations.
