Fiji’s First Girls’ Football Tournament Inspires Talent and Community in Levuka

Nearly 50 teenage girls from Levuka, Ovalau Island, took to the field for their first-ever football tournament, marking a milestone in Fiji’s journey to foster women’s football. Hosted at Nasau Park, the event celebrated the culmination of the This Is How We Football program—a dynamic initiative aimed at introducing teenage girls to the world of football in a supportive, empowering environment.

Building Skills and Connections at Nasau Park

Set against the scenic backdrop of Levuka’s famed Peak hills, Nasau Park was buzzing with excitement as students from Saint John’s College Cawaci and Levuka Public Secondary School competed in a spirited five-a-side tournament. The This Is How We Football program has been instrumental in providing a unique platform for these young athletes to hone their skills, network, and celebrate their newfound passion for the sport.

According to Matelita Vuakoso, the program’s regional officer for the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), the initiative has been transformative. “This Is How We Football offers a space for young girls to not only showcase their talents but to gain confidence and motivation to continue in the sport,” she explained. “Watching the girls grow and embrace football with such enthusiasm has been rewarding. They’re learning skills that will help them both on and off the field.”

A Milestone for Women’s Football in Fiji

The Levuka tournament was more than just a competitive event; it was a potential scouting opportunity for the Fiji Football Association (FFA). Penelope Pickering, coordinator of This Is How We Football in Levuka, shared her excitement, observing the strong potential in the players. “This first tournament was a chance for us to identify emerging talents,” she said. “The girls not only enjoyed playing but demonstrated rapid improvement in technical ability and game awareness.”

Louisa Simmons, FFA’s Women’s Development Officer, emphasized the program’s significance in sparking interest and skill in young players. “Since the program’s launch, the girls have shown remarkable improvement,” Simmons remarked. “Out of the participants, five or six players stood out as strong potential candidates for future national teams. The passion and dedication these girls have displayed make us hopeful for the future of women’s football in Fiji.”

The top team at the tournament was Team Two from Levuka Public Secondary School, with standout performances from Asenaca Virgo as the top goalscorer and Lisi Naceva, who was named best player.

Looking Ahead: A New Era for Women’s Football on Ovalau Island

With such a successful debut event, there are already hopes for continued football development on Levuka. Simmons expressed optimism for establishing a league or annual competition in the future to keep the sport alive and thriving. “We hope to return next year and set up a sustainable program that will keep these girls engaged,” she concluded. “With regular training and competition, we can ensure that the enthusiasm for football on Ovalau continues to grow.”

This first tournament has sparked excitement and community spirit, marking a new beginning for girls’ football in Fiji and potentially creating a pipeline of talent for the nation’s future teams.

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#FijiFootball #ThisIsHowWeFootball #GirlsInSports #WomenInFootball #Levuka #FijiSports #YouthEmpowerment #OceaniaFootball #pitchside.hq #breakingnews #Fiji