Football promoting healthy living, boosting efforts against Non Communicable Diseases

The International Youth Football Academy, has been commended for its effort in enhancing the sporting talents of the youngsters.

The academy is a newly opened private institution that promotes soccer talents of primary school students from Fiji and abroad.

This follows the academy’s awards night last week which the Minister for Health and Medical Services Rosy Akbar officiated as chief guest, handing out trophies and medals to the players.

Ms Akbar commended the Academy for its aspirations to promote the young sporting talents.

“This initiative will contribute towards the development of future players and I hope that some of you will make it to the international clubs,” Ms Akbar said.

“And with passion, dedication and discipline each one of you can realise your true potential.

“This programme is also important because it complements the ministry’s efforts on the prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD’s).

“The youngest diabetes patient is 12-years-old and as NCD’s continues to rise, we need to work together to address, raise awareness on this issue.”

She said the academy promoted the importance of healthy living and would allow young children to thrive and increase their chances to become great soccer players in the future.

Technical director and head coach for the International Youth Football Academy, Riyaz Ali said the plan was to broaden the training opportunities for many more children in Fiji.

“The International Youth Football Academy is for the development of future players of soccer not only in Fiji but the Pacific region as well,” Mr Ali said.

The motto of the team is, “If we build it, they will come.”

The Academy started operations eight months ago and is currently providing soccer training to 51 primary school students of which 40 are male players and 11 are female players.

Source: Ministry of Health and  Medical Services

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