Shirley says it was an honour to be there at Suva Muslim Primary School to participate in the historical event.
“This is the very first Development Centre for the Suva district. The Development Centre is a programme which boys and girls aged 10-12 years old, who have been identified as being motivated and committed to football, can attend each week for regular training.
“This is a long term development plan and a career pathway for players and coaches as well,” she says,
Shirley adds that coaches deliver an age-appropriate football programme based on the specific needs of players, preparing them for a future which could include national age-group teams.
“Our vision is to deliver the highest standard of football development to every youth in the country,” Shirley says.
“It is imperative that as the governing football body in Fiji, the Fiji Football Association continues to provide all the assistance it can to nurture and develop young players.”
Suva Muslim Primary School board chairman Saiyad Hussein says they are honoured and appreciative to Fiji FA for selecting their school for the first Development Centre in Suva.
“Our children used to travel to other places before and now they will be able to improve their football skills within their community and in a place that is familiar to them,” Hussein says.
“This learning centre will provide an alternative to our children to be able to spend their time wisely in a worthwhile manner during the weekends.
“As we know, football instils discipline, tolerance, patience, love and care within our young children. This will also mould and guide them to become better sports people in the future.”
Fiji FA opened the first Southern Division Development Centre on Saturday 21 March at Suva Muslim Primary School in Suva.
For more on Fiji football visit fijifootball.com.fj.

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