Fiji Football Association hosted its first-ever Viti Invitational Futsal Cup last weekend at the FMF Gymnasium in Suva which included teams from Queensland, Labasa, Ba, and Suva.
The tournament was officially opened on Friday evening by OFC President and FIFA Vice President, Mr Lambert Maltock at FMF Stadium.
The Viti Fiji International Futsal Cup is an initiative launched by Fiji Football Association’s futsal development officer and national team head coach, Jerry Sam, with the purpose of creating a starting point for futsal development across the country.
“After starting futsal in the three centers, Suva, Ba and Labasa, I have to start seeing what the understanding the kids is with these games,” Sam explained.
“For now, I’m excited to be launching this Viti Futsal tournament because I can see the kids and families are involved in futsal, and this is a chance to expose them in this code.”
During his opening speech, President Lambert said futsal development is one of the strategic priorities of the Oceania Football Confederation, and he takes great pleasure in seeing Fiji FA strengthening its knowledge and understanding of the game among the nation’s youth.
“This tournament fits perfectly with the strategy of the OFC, and I have to congratulate Fiji FA President, Rajesh Patel, for his vision and this initiative which will contribute to Fiji becoming a competitive nation in futsal in the years to come.
“Futsal is one of the best games for developing the skills of players both for futsal itself and for the 11-a-side outdoor game.
“Your consistent commitment to this development of futsal has seen a. big change in Fiji’s playing style come through in the past few years. We’ve witnessed it with your men’s team, and we are seeing it right now in the Women’s Nations Cup, where your women’s side is now in the final.”
The tournament brings together not only youth sides from across Fiji, but visiting sides from Australia as well.
