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Australian Football League Fiji Talent Academy manager Loata Vakausausa says a record number of young Fijian athletes are gearing up for a major exposure opportunity as preparations intensify for upcoming regional and international commitments.<\/p>\n
A total of 12 players, including seven girls and five boys, have been selected from the Oceania Cup that was held in December, marking a significant step forward for the programme.<\/p>\n
In previous years, Fiji had sent only four athletes, making this year\u2019s intake the largest to date.<\/p>\n
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The selected players will attend the AFL Talent Academy Camp, where they will test themselves against elite opposition from the Brisbane Lions Academy and Brisbane Suns Academy \u2013 a rare and valuable opportunity, according to Vakausausa.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a big step for our kids, knowing they\u2019ll be playing against academies linked to two of the strongest AFL clubs in Australia. It\u2019s about exposure and giving them a real taste of the level they need to reach.\u201d<\/p>\n
The girls\u2019 squad is scheduled to depart on the 16th of next month for a one-week camp, while the boys will travel on March 11.<\/p>\n
While the camp is a standalone experience, it also forms part of a broader development pathway as Fiji builds towards later tournaments in the year, including the Pacific Cup in September.<\/p>\n
Training has been ongoing not only in Suva but also in the West, with four West-based players continuing their preparation through sessions at the Lautoka Talent Academy.<\/p>\n
Vakausausa confirms that tailored plans are in place to ensure consistency across regions, including for players returning to school.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor our Western players, we have a coach taking the lead down there. For our Vanualevu-based boy, we\u2019ve put together a detailed training programme and we\u2019ll have a coach checking in regularly, especially with the tournament coming up soon.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Academy has also adopted a long-term development approach, integrating younger athletes into higher-level programmes earlier than usual.<\/p>\n
While the camp is officially under-16, Fiji has included players as young as 12 and 13, particularly on the girls\u2019 side.<\/p>\n
One such player is 13-year-old Sherry, who will be in Class Eight this year and already has Oceania Cup experience with the Fiji team.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re grooming these kids early so that by the time they reach the actual age-grade level for the Oceania Cup and Pacific Cup, they\u2019re already mature in the sport.\u201d<\/p>\n
That strategy has already delivered results, with Fiji\u2019s girls crowned back-to-back Oceania Cup champions, reinforcing confidence in the Academy\u2019s development model.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor us, this approach is working. We\u2019re seeing the growth, the confidence, and most importantly, the results.\u201d<\/p>\n
With international exposure on the horizon and a strong pipeline of emerging talent, AFL Fiji continues to build momentum as it prepares the next generation to compete with the region\u2019s best.<\/p>\n