Youth League Targets 2026 World Cup
The first Vodafone Under-16 Youth League was launched at the Fiji Football Association’s headquarters in Suva yesterday.
And the long term target is to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico.
A total of 18 districts will take part in the Northern, Eastern and Southern zones around the country.
Fiji Football vice-president Yogeshwar Singh said there will be two spots available for the Oceania zone.
The U16 Youth League is supported and funded by FIFA, Fiji Football and Vodafone providing teams with jerseys, bus fares, coach and referees allowances and referees.
“It is a historic moment for Fiji Football because we are going to do something that will benefit the nation as a whole,” Singh said.
“Fiji Football is not targeting tomorrow or the year after, we are targeting 2026 which is nine years away.
“Nine years would mean that these youngsters would be in their peak to represent Fiji when the time comes. “This is the whole idea of having a youth league; the programme will be funded by FIFA, Vodafone and Fiji Football.
“Vodafone being our local sponsor have come up with additional funding.
“We are going to fund uniforms, bus fares, coaches and referees allowances and this will cost Fiji Football no less than $10,500 a week to run it.
“It is only possible because we have sponsors like Vodafone and of course FIFA.
“We are now targeting to represent Fiji in the FIFA World Cup and we can only do this by getting the youngsters to play football at the highest level possible.” Vodafone has pledged their support for the U16 Youth League
“The true reflection of our passion and commitment for the sport can be seen in our bit to firm up the foundation of football by support to the grass root level of football in the country,” Vodafone dealers manager Avichal Prasad said.
“We are confident that through our financial boost and support we will help mould the young bloods into stars tomorrow.”