Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA) is set to host a groundbreaking event, the McDonald’s All-Stars Tournament, spanning four days from December 7th to December 10th, 2023, at the Fiji FA Technical Academy in Ba. The initiative, led by Fiji FA Technical Director Timo Jankowski, aims to bring together over 140 elite football players, including 40 talented girls, aged between 2014 and 2008.
Last Thursday, Timo Jankowski visited Nadi Muslim Primary School, identifying two promising players born in 2010 for the upcoming tournament. The scouting efforts extend beyond individual schools, encompassing school Inter-District Championships, Ba Labasa Suva Academy Training, and the McDonald’s League.
The McDonald’s All-Stars comprise players selected from the McDonald’s Talent Development League age groups U9, U11, U13, and Under 15, as well as participants from the FIFA Football for Schools program. This marks the first time that the country’s best players in these age categories will converge for a collective development program.
Timo Jankowski emphasizes the event as a significant football player development program tailored for kids. The chosen talents from zonal competitions will undergo further refinement during the three-day camp in Ba. Jankowski expresses enthusiasm, stating, “We are very excited to see the best in the weekend.”
The program extends beyond traditional training, featuring a football skills challenge incorporating activities like juggling, ball mastery, and other football-related exercises. Jankowski notes, “Our objective is to educate the children, to give them time and to get them to be as good as they can be.”
Recognizing the unique challenges of nurturing football talent from a young age, Jankowski underscores Fiji’s commitment to providing a platform for the next generation of footballers. He believes the program aligns with Fiji FA’s dedication to individual growth while contributing to the overall expansion of football in the nation.
The festivities kick off on Friday, December 8, and conclude on Sunday, December 10. The McDonald’s All-Stars Football Tournament not only promises to be a showcase of burgeoning talent but also an essential step towards shaping the future of football in Fiji.
