A great turnout was recorded in the Mom N Pop League at Naidovi Primary School ground in Cuvu, Sigatoka last Saturday.
Despite having busy schedule on a Saturday, parents took their time out and brought their kids to enjoy the two-hour football programme happening for the first time in Sigatoka this year.
Maria Tavuyara, who brought her 6-year-old son Joji Vuki to participate, commended Fiji FA for the great initiative.
“It’s so exciting to bring my kid on Saturdays for this programme,” she said.
She said Vuki’s interest grew from his dad Joji Tavuyara and uncles Luke Tavuyara and Mesulame Tavuyara who were some of the popular names in Nadroga football.
“My kid is coming from a soccer background as his dad and uncles were all former players and we are so happy because the same passion is within my child and this programme is helping him build more interest into football.
“He never chose rugby but he always loved to be in the soccer field.
“Soccer in Nadroga used to be a very famous game but now the interest seems to be fading away but I really appreciate Fiji FA for bringing such programmes that will surely help the younger ones to regain the interest into football.”
Archana Dutt Sharma, who brought her 3-year-old son Pranav Ansh Sharma, echoed similar sentiments.
“This seems to be like an outing for the kids on Saturdays and at the same time helps them to better grow their knowledge and skills into the game of football.
“Not all students are able to do well in the classroom as far as academic is concerned and programmes like this Mom n Pop League helps many children to start learning from the basic level and maybe in future can make a name for themselves in sports.
“My cousin brother Krishneel Dutt is the only player in our family and I would love to see my son be another good football player from our family in future.”
She thanked Fiji FA for investing in such programmes.
“Thanks to Fiji FA who are investing a lot in terms of their time, sending their qualified employees all the way from Suva and Ba to train our kids here in Sigatoka.
“If they can spare their time to come, I don’t see any reason for the parents in our local community to just spare two ours on Saturdays and help grow the game of football.”
