The Digicel Fiji U-16 football team has narrowed down its selection to 40 promising athletes from a pool of over 1200, as announced by Head Coach Sunil Kumar.
The shortlisted squad comprises 35 field players and five goalkeepers.
The final trials for these selected players will take place next week at the Fiji FA Academy in Vatuwaqa.
“We’ve conducted thorough trials in all districts to ensure every potential talent gets an opportunity,” he explained.
The talent identification process included participants from Fiji Secondary and Primary Schools IDC, McDonald’s Talent Development League, and other Fiji FA competitions.
Notably, four overseas-based players, including one from Germany, will also join the trials in hopes of securing a spot on the team.
The finalized squad will be announced after a rigorous week-long camp in Suva, with the chosen 26 players entering a dedicated training period starting June 15 at the Fiji FA Academy in Ba.
“We will have a month to prepare the team for the OFC U16 Championship which will be held in Tahiti from July 28-August 10,” Kumar added.
