Fiji Football Association President Rajesh Patel says plans are being put in place to expand age group football in the country this year.
Patel said from this year, the McDonald’s League will start with Under 9 boys and girls soccer competition till the Under 19 grade.
“What we are going to do is expand the football competition from Under 9 boys and girls to Under 11, 13, 15, 17 and 19.”
“It’s a good start-up from the small age group and then moving on to our youth league where players will expand their football knowledge as well as get a chance to represent Fiji at the national and international competition.”
“This competition will also assist the national team management and coaches as most of these players will have a good chance to play for their senior teams in the Premier Division football in the coming years.”
He also added that Fiji FA has brought in football expertise to assist the national team as well as develop grassroots football.
“We have experts coming all the way from Germany, Denmark and Argentina to lead and guide the national teams for the international competitions which Fiji has qualified for.”
“They will also play a huge role in the development of football in Fiji. We have a lot of grassroots football programs put in place for the budding footballers and they need guidance and assistance from a young age.”
“The expertise will mould them and take football to a next level in the country. There are huge plans put in place for the age group football and for that the experts will be meeting to select the dates for the competitions and put the plans into action.”
