The Football Festival was launched by the Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts, Mahendra Reddy in Suva yesterday.
The theme of the festival is “Equality and Unity through Football to build a better Fiji.”
Suva Muslim Primary, Nabua Primary, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial (MGM) and Swami Shraddhanand Memorial (SSM) were the four schools invited to be a part of the festival at the Fiji Football Academy.
It was a treat for 13-year-old MGM student Anasaini Mala, who said this was her chance to develop her skills as she looks to represent Fiji in the future.
“I really love football and love playing it because this is a sport that anyone can play,” Mala said.
“I play for the girl’s team in my school as a striker and this has really helped me learn how to kick the ball and how to play.
“It has been a dream of mine playing for my country in a sport that I love.
“I encourage everyone to play football or take it up as a sport.”
Meanwhile, Fiji FA technical director Ravinesh Kumar said they aimed to host the festival in different venues around the country.
“The festival is linked to our football philosophy which is uniting the children of different religions, races, colours and genders to learn and play football,” Kumar said.