The Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA) is taking significant steps to nurture young football talent as it implements a new requirement for districts participating in the upcoming 2026 Extra Premier League and Extra Senior League competitions. The initiative, which received the nod from the Fiji FA Board, mandates that each district must include three youth players in their 22-member match-day squad. This includes two players under the age of 19 and one under the age of 17.
In a move to ensure this regulation translates into actual development, Fiji FA has also stipulated that at least one of the youth players must start and play the entire match. This requirement aims to provide young athletes with consistent exposure to senior-level competitions, thereby sharpening their skills and enhancing their readiness for future challenges.
Fiji FA’s chief executive officer, Mohammed Yusuf, emphasized that the initiative is centered around preparing young players for international football. He stated, “This is to make sure youth players are not just named on the list but are actually playing.” By ensuring that young players actively participate in matches, the move is expected to accelerate their development in the sport.
Furthermore, this initiative will benefit the national technical department. It will create a structured pathway for identifying talent for the Fiji under-20 and under-17 national teams, both of which participate in World Cup qualifiers. This focus on youth development underlines the Fiji FA’s commitment to building a robust foundation for the future of football in Fiji.
Overall, this pioneering step highlights the importance of integrating young talent into the sport, potentially paving the way for Fiji to produce more skilled players on the international stage.