The McDonald’s Inter-District Championship was hailed as a major success by Fiji Football Association’s Head of Talent Identification, Sunil Kumar.
Kumar was particularly impressed with the sheer amount of raw talent displayed throughout the tournament.
‘’More than 450 players participated in the three-day tournament from around the country in their respective grades under 9, 11, 13, and 15 and huge potential and talent was on display, “said Kumar.
H was especially encouraged by the talent observed in the under-15 category, which featured both boys and girls showcasing impressive skills and potential.
“There’s a lot of talent on display, and we are so excited and thankful to McDonald’s for the sponsorship. Even the managing director Mr. Mark was out here, moving around supporting us,” Kumar stated.
Kumar added that one of the key objectives of the tournament was to identify and nurture talented players and educate them about the laws of the game.
‘’This dual focus is vital for fostering a deeper understanding of football among young players, which can have long-lasting benefits for their development as players,” said Kumar.
Looking ahead, Kumar revealed that the Fiji Football Association plans to organize a similar tournament later this year. This upcoming event aims to continue the momentum of talent identification and development, ensuring that young athletes have ongoing opportunities to showcase their skills and progress in the sport.
Fiji FA’s commitment to fostering talent at the grassroots level reflects a broader vision for the future of football in Fiji.
McDonald’s Talent Development Inter-District Championship not only served as a platform for showcasing young talent but also highlighted the collaborative efforts of sponsors and organizers in nurturing the next generation of football players in Fiji.
The tournament also saw several exciting matches, with Ba defeating Nadi 3-1 to secure the U-9 title, Rewa winning the U-11 category with a 3-2 victory over Labasa via penalty kicks, Seaqaqa triumphing over Labasa 3-1 in the U-13 final, and Ba clinching the U-15 title with a 2-0 win against Rewa at the Nasinu Muslim Primary School Ground.
