Thanks to the FIFA Women’s Development Programme the handover of a huge amount of Adidas-branded football apparel was made from football’s global governing body to the Fiji Football Association.
Twelve women’s football districts will receive a full playing kits, including boots, shin guards, goalkeeper gloves, balls and bibs.
The cycle started on Saturday at the National Football Academy in Ba, where the Western zone districts recieved their share of the equipment. The gift-giving continues in the Southern zone this Saturday, with the official handover scheduled at the Fiji FA headquarters in Vatuwaqa.
Fiji FA women’s football director Susan Wise says the struggle for women’s football to find a foothole in Fiji is finally over.
“The handover of the football equipment is indeed a historical moment for the country,” Wise says.
“I believe that this is the first time ever that women’s football has received such a huge donation which will no doubt be a boost for women’s football in Fiji.
“Women’s football has struggled and I’m proud to say that the days are gone when players had to borrow boots, shin guards, gloves or change boots during a substitution and there is no doubt that the former players will agree with me.
“On this note, I would like to thank FIFA for their generous support.”
Wise adds that the arrival of the equipment could not have been better timed, especially as the Fiji FA Rooster Women’s League gets underway.
“The equipment will enhance women’s football in the country and I’m sure we will see the changes in the near future. With the women’s league underway this will assist the participating teams.”
Fiji FA President Rajesh Patel also used the occasion to thank FIFA and the Oceania Football Confederation for their continued support.
“I would like to thank FIFA and OFC for their support and this helping hand is no doubt a huge boost for women’s football in Fiji.
“Under my leadership women’s football has not been neglected and we are constantly looking for means and ways of developing both the men’s and women’s codes.
“Part of the $5 million dollar consortium sponsorshop by Vodafone and CJ Patel Group also included women’s football and that is why their league has been sponsored this year,” Patel explains.
The Fiji FA President is confident that this is a step in the right direction for women’s football in Fiji as the nation eyes the gold at the 2015 Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea, after settling for bronze medals at the two previous editions of the games.
For more on Fiji football go to www.fijifootball.com.fj

Share