The Tagimocia Netball Club’s U15 team has gained a significant advantage in their off-season training by competing against the touring Wanderers Netball Club’s U15 teams from Australia. The two-day competition took place at the USP Gym in Suva on December 8-9, where Tagimocia faced off against the Possums and Emus teams.
Inoke Vuli, the coach of Tagimocia, expressed his excitement about the opportunity, noting the dedication of the Australian club to developing grassroots talent. He emphasized that this experience sets a positive tone for the team’s pre-season training. “I can see that grassroots are taken seriously in Australia; that’s what they showcased today,” Vuli remarked, highlighting the importance of such experiences for young athletes.
Despite the challenges, Vuli praised his players for their effort, acknowledging that this was their first significant competition after a break from training. “For my girls, it was a big challenge, but they gave it their all,” he stated. The competition was not only beneficial for the players but also an educational experience for local coaches. Vuli noted that observing the touring teams allowed them to recognize valuable techniques and strategies they could implement in their own training sessions.
In their last match against the Emus, the Tagimocia girls fought valiantly but lost 32-20. Vuli remains hopeful that the visit from the Wanderers Club to Fiji will urge the local netball community to consider more grassroots initiatives. He believes such pathways will help young netters realize their full potential and inspire a new generation of athletes.
This event marks a significant moment for Tagimocia Netball Club, as it not only enriches the players’ experience but also fosters a collaborative spirit between local and international netball communities.