Fiji’s young futsal players have taken their first step towards the 2026 Youth Olympic Games, entering camp as they prepare to represent the country on the international stage in Senegal.

Head coach José Gerardo has selected 10 players for the women’s under-17 futsal competition, where Fiji will carry Oceania’s hopes against seven other nations.

Salanieta Tausokula Vosadora will lead the team as captain, with Teonila Levuiciva and Vilomena Lutumaitoga Batirerega serving as vice-captains.

The training camp will give the squad valuable time to develop on-court combinations, sharpen technical abilities and improve fitness ahead of the tournament.

It will also help the players build confidence and understand the team’s playing approach before facing international opposition.

Gerardo said the camp was a key step in preparing the young players for the demands of competing at the Youth Olympic Games.

He highlighted technical development, physical conditioning and team understanding as the main priorities, while encouraging the squad to embrace the opportunity to represent Fiji.

Fiji will compete alongside hosts Senegal, Iran, Cameroon, Costa Rica, Colombia, Italy and Ukraine in the eight-team women’s futsal tournament.

The teams will be divided into two groups of four, with players aged 17 and under eligible to compete.

Solomon Islands will represent Oceania in the men’s futsal competition.

The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games are scheduled for October 31 to November 13, marking the first Olympic sporting event to be held on African soil.

Futsal competition will take place from November 1 to 12, with matches beginning at the Iba Mar Diop Complex before the finals are staged at Dakar Arena.

The event will mark futsal’s second appearance at the Youth Olympic Games, following its introduction at Buenos Aires 2018.

Fiji U17 Girls’ Futsal Squad

• Salanieta Tausokula Vosadora (Captain)
• Teonila Levuiciva (Vice-captain)
• Tarusila Qerawaqa Maivunidawa
• Kinisimere Botesulu
• Akanisi Katonitabua
• Melania Diraitabe Keresoni
• Nauseeba Azharia
• Seini Tadulala Kaliseiwaqa
• Vilomena Lutumaitoga Batirerega (Vice-captain)
• Beatrice Hariet Beverly Qaniuci