Fiji Football Association will kick start its Little Bula League for children from the age of 8-14 years.
Thanks to Mcdonald’s for a $450,000 investment into the grassroots development program in Fiji.
A three-year deal was signed at the HFC Bank Stadium during the IDC tournament a week ago between McDonald’s managing director Marc McElrath and Fiji Football Association president Rajesh Patel.
Speaking at the handover ceremony McDonald’s managing director Marc McElrath said football was a growing sport and there was a big gap in grassroots development in Fiji both in boys and girls.
“We have seen an opportunity where we want to start working with the kids of Fiji, to start finding and developing talent basically from the grassroots development,” said McElrah
“The development program will see something going to be long term which is a three to five-year plan and the results will start showing in year two or three years”
He said there were lots of hidden talents in Fiji.
“We think there are a lot of Roy Krishna’s out there and this will be an opportunity for them to get exposed
Fiji FA President Rajesh Patel said the three-year deal will benefit Fijian children in a big way.
“This programme will give the opportunity for girls and boys to get structured football training from a very young age,”
“The programme is huge for our children as it focuses on developing their football career and future.
“These children are the future stars, nurturing them from an early age is important as they grow with the game in Fiji.
“This is an opportunity where you’ll see Fiji continue to qualify for the World Cups in all age groups.
“Our Junior Bula Boys have already qualified for next year’s FIFA U20 World Cup and with this program, we could get the tickets for FIFA World Cup in other age groups as well,”
“We won’t see overnight the success of it, it might take two or three years to get it through.
