Sports Coaching in Fiji
Rugby
Rugby in Fiji
Rugby is the national sport of Fiji and the passion of the population for the game is evident in all walks of life on the Islands. From the well organized teams to the games of touch rugby on the beach the game is played with a flair and passion that will be a truly unique experience to any rugby lover having grown up in the world of northern hemisphere rugby. Sportventurer works with teams and communities where the opportunity to play and be trained by coaches would not normally be there. Sportventurer also works with teams that will provide a valuable insight for you into the southern hemisphere game at elite level. Being part of a team gives youngsters a sense of achievement and belonging, as well as a lot of excitement. Sportventurer is seeking to harness the energy for rugby in this country and turn it into something positive for both individuals and the larger communities.
Your Rugby Project
A typical day with Sportventurer in Suva in the South East of Fiji consists of running coaching clinics with the local children who have been organized in to community teams. You will run the clinics in conjunction with local coaches who will advise and assist you in your coaching sessions. Developing the grass roots of the game is the primary focus however we also offer the opportunity to become involved in the elite side of the game on the island. Sportventurer works directly with the FRU of Suva and therefore have placements to coach and train with the regional junior and senior squads according to your competence as a coach/player. Should you wish you would have the opportunity to assist with developing ideas at your grass roots clubs and at the regional RFU to improve the professionalism of the game in Fiji.
Your Role
During the day you will have your own team to coach. This will be in a local community usually within 30 minutes from the house. You will be given an orientation period led by the team on the ground which should give you plenty of confidence and ideas then to pursue your coaching goals. As well as coaching and managing your team you can get involved with teaching locally to help with the underesourced schools. You will be a leader and your team will look to you for encouragement and commitment. But don't worry we have a strong permanent crew in Fiji who will help you out whenever you need it.
For those without coaching qualifications you'll have the opportunity to take part in a coaching clinic. This should give you the confidence to coach in Fiji as well as some useful skills including first aid training.
Hockey
Hockey in Fiji
As in most countries in the South Pacific, hockey is a minor sport but one that is much loved by its players and supporters. In Fiji, hockey has been played since the 1930s and the sport is run by a dedicated group of volunteers who are at this particular point are embarking on an ambitious program to take the sport to new heights not just in the region but internationally.
An important development in these plans has been the construction of the National hockey centre, a first class international facility, which since it was built in 2003 for the South Pacific Games has been fully utilized and seen a renewed interest in the game at all levels. The number of hockey players has increased, the variety and level of competition has increased, more schools are showing interest, the business community has come out in big numbers to compete in a Suva based league and this year the hockey federation will be hosting two international tournaments in partnership with the Oceania Hockey federation.
"Support from Sportventurer coaches can guarantee a rewarding project experience with the Fiji Hockey association!"
Linda Peterson, President, Fiji Hockey Federation
Your Role
With the guidance of the Sportventurer crew and the FHF you will support Hockey at all levels during your time in Fiji. During the day you will coach at schools at primary level. In Suva there are currently 8 men's clubs, three of which have coaches and 6 womens clubs two of which have coaches. There is a great opportunity, therefore, for venturers to take on a player/coach role. The club train between 6-9 in the evenings. There is also a business league which involves about 20 companies who would all benefit and be keen for some coaching.
For those without coaching qualifications you'll have the opportunity to take part in a coaching clinic. This should give you the confidence to coach in Fiji as well as some useful skills including first aid training.
Equipment/Pitches
In 2003 for the South Pacific games a brand new water based astroturf stadium was erected. This is a Grade A facility which has been looked after and a huge asset to Fiji Hockey. This is a 5 minute walk from our current accommodation. All the club hockey takes place on this and a lot of the schools use it. Other than that all hockey is played on grass pitches at the schools.
Netball
Netball in Fiji
Netball is also fast on the increase in popularity. Our projects in Fiji provide the perfect opportunity to get under the skin of the country and get stuck in at both a junior and senior development level. Moreover you'll have a great chance to play and, most importantly, hang out with the locals.
Netball is the most popular women's sport in Fiji, with about 5000 regular players, from primary school age up to adult. Although netball has been played in Fiji for years, it is only recently that a structured development plan has been put in place. Fiji's commitment to netball is demonstrated in it's pride in hosting the 2007 World Championships.
Sportventurers who come out to Fiji have the opportunity to coach in both primary and secondary schools as well as in clubs and local communities. The many different parts of the program give you the chance to have a big impact on netball at the primary level in Fiji.
You will initially be an assistant coach at local schools in and around Suva, hopefully progressing to conducting your own coaching sessions dependent on your ability. When you are confident enough you will also have the opportunity to coach adults.
There are many local clubs who are involved in regular league games, with most of the national squad playing for Suva teams. There is the option to train with a local club, and even play for them if you are good enough.
We have links with the captain of national Fijian netball team, who is also the U21's coach and conveniently the sports development unit organiser for netball in Fiji, so you get to meet the best people Fiji netball can offer, as well as helping develop the sport at the grass roots level.
Your Home in Fiji (Rugby, Hockey and Netball)
In Fiji you will live in a specialist Sportventurer house in Suva over looking the national stadium. Here you will live with other rugby coaches and a Fijian family. Your diet will be local - lots of fish! Living in a home with other Sportventurer coaches means that in the evenings and at weekends you will have a crowd of you who are keen to experience Fiji. You will also have the opportunity to form your own side and take on a couple of Sunday league clubs.
Away from the Pitch
Evenings and weekends are there for you to relax and enjoy the many delights of Fiji. Fiji is perfect for lovers of the outdoors, sunshine, and watersports. Surf, snorkel, dive, windsurf, river rafting and sailing, take your pick.
Support on your placement
Before you go you will receive 2 pre-departure packs. The first contains information on how to raise the cost of your Sportventurer placement through sponsorship, further information concerning the placement, vaccination requirements and other health issues, a kit list and all necessary travel information. Four weeks before you depart we will send you details and information relevant to your initial arrival at the overseas airport and coaching advice.
Once in Fiji you will be met at the airport by one of our crew. During the first couple of days they will show you the key places: banks, hospitals, internet cafes etc.. they will also spend time with you discussing your coaching placement. By attending the first couple of training sessions with another club you and your crew will be able to establish at exactly what level you are going to coach at. The crew are there at all times to make sure that your placement is a success. They are also there to make sure that if you fall ill or experience other problems that you are looked after. They are in frequent contact with Sportventurer HQ in the UK and can be contacted at anytime in case of an emergency.
2006 Sportventurer Fiji Dates
Fiji and Tonga Project Dates 2006 |
Sports Projects Available |
Jan 9th - Feb 10th |
Rugby, Hockey, Netball, Football |
Feb 13th - Mar 17th |
Rugby, Hockey, Netball, Football |
Mar 20th - April 21st |
Rugby, Hockey, Netball, Football |
April 24nd - May 26th |
Rugby, Hockey, Netball, Football |
| May 29th - June 30th | Rugby, Hockey, Netball, Football |
July 3rd - Aug 4th |
Rugby, Hockey, Netball, Football |
Aug 7th - Sept 8th |
Rugby, Hockey, Netball, Football |
Sportventurer South Pacific Project Costs
Fiji and Tonga Project Duration |
Project Only Cost |
4 weeks |
£1,450 |
Each additional week |
£125 |
2 week Sports Team Tour |
£940 |
Island-hop with frequent short flights between Fiji and Tonga why not combine projects in both these incredible destinations.
<<back to top>>
Capital City
Suva.
Population
840,000.
Language
Fijian, English, Hindu.
Greeting
Bula!
Religion
Christian, Hindu, Muslim.
Currency
Fijian $
Price of a Fiji bitter
90p
Climate
Mild tropical. Dry May-Oct. Nov-Apr slightly wetter.
Famous for
Serevi, Kavah, Great surf!
