Sports project in Victoria could be breakthrough for local footballers

A full-Fijian team will feature in the Victorian Premier League next season. Kimon Taliadoris Football Victoria CEO

social challenges. We are working on some options that possibly appeal to Fijian football to help them prepare for different tournaments like the world cups for men and women.

“This is the opportunity for Fijian football players and our two nations to craft a solution to support the programme, and the ambitions of Fijian footballers by providing an environment that’s world class, has all the resources and expertise.

“Invested directly into Fijian football and that doesn’t just mean players there: a huge focus is on the development of the coaches, administrators and sports science in particular.”

He said the programme would benefit Fijian players greatly.

“Last year, the Victoria State Government, together with the Federal Government, committed AUD$150 million to build a world class football facility specifically designed for the development of elite men and women,” he said.

“In particular, the development of elite female athletes. So, that will be built at the La Trobe University in Melbourne’s Northern Suburbs. The facility will cater other sports like AFL, soft ball and it also involves the new location for the Melbourne Rebels and the Victorian Rugby Union ahead of the Rugby World Cup in 2028.

“These skills and students are able to be deployed into their various teams.

“The world class facility will be done by March next year. It will have five pitches, a couple of synthetic grass, a high-performance centre and more.”

The Victorian Football delegation will be in Fiji soon to hold more talks with various sporting organisation, and the Fijian Government.