Sports Project In Victoria Could Be A Breakthrough For Local Footballers

A Fijian men’s and wom­en’s football team could be playing in the Vic­toria Premier League in Mel­bourne, Australia, as early as next season.

These teams will feature our local-based players, and plans are in the pipeline for Football Victoria.

Speaking to SUNsports, Foot­ball Victoria chief executive of­ficer Kimon Taliadoris, said the plan was part of their AUD$150 million state project.

“A full-Fijian team will feature in the Victorian Premier League next season,” he said.

“They will be based at La Trobe University in Melbourne."

"They will play against similarly standard players or even higher."

"For football, this is a great op­portunity for Fiji to excel in the sport.”

Taliadoris said Football Victo­ria believed in the development of women’s football.

“It is important in our soci­ety that women’s role in sports helps to mitigate some of the 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 center and more.”

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

Feedback: simione.haravanua@fijisun.com.fj