The long-term development of Fiji’s football is in safe hands following the launch of the 2017 edition of the Fiji National U-16 Youth League.
Fiji FA technical director Ravinesh Kumar announced 18 participating teams across three divisions with six teams each.
“The format will be that all teams will play two rounds of game in a home-and-away basis, so basically a total of ten pool games and the end they will play divisional play-offs which will also be home-and-away,” Kumar said.
The techical director said this would give an extended amount of playing time to the players at this age level which is important for development.
“Our objective is to develop these players on a long term basis,” he said.
“We will be selecting our U-17 team from this youth league to participate in the next OFC U-17 Championship,” he said.
Tailevu Naitasiri club secretary Sushil Singh applauded Fiji FA for the initiative in organising the U-16 Youth League.
“It is a great initiative from Fiji FA as it will help us develop more players for our districts and this was fully funded,” Singh said.
Singh said all logistics was taken care by Fiji Football and everyone should benefit from this.
“I think we all should take advantage of this as it will help players, coaches, parents and districts as a whole.”
He said the players and coaches now have to show their commitment and dedication for football so the initiative can show results and continue into the future.
Fiji U-16 Youth League Results – Round 1
Southern Zone
Northland Tailevu 3-1 Tailevu Naitasiri / NAVUA 4-0 SUVA
Northern Zone
Savusavu 2-2 Bua / Seaqaqa 2-1 Nadogo / Dreketi 0-0 Labasa
Western Zone
Nadroga 0-1 Nadi / Ba 3-0 Rakiraki