Fiji’s under-17 girls’ futsal team has begun preparations for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal, with head coach José Gerardo naming a 10-player squad for the international competition.

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

The training camp will focus on improving the players’ technical skills, fitness and teamwork ahead of the tournament.

Gerardo says the preparations are important in helping the young players build confidence and understand the team’s playing approach before representing Fiji on the Olympic stage.

Fiji will compete against seven other nations in the women’s futsal tournament, including hosts Senegal, Iran, Cameroon, Costa Rica, Colombia, Italy and Ukraine.

The competition will feature eight teams divided into two groups of four, with players aged 17 and under eligible to participate. Solomon Islands will represent Oceania in the men’s tournament.

The Youth Olympic Games will run from October 31 to November 13, marking the first Olympic sporting event to be held in Africa.

Futsal matches are scheduled from November 1 to 12, beginning at the Iba Mar Diop Complex before the finals move to Dakar Arena. Futsal will make its second appearance at the Youth Olympic Games, following its debut in Buenos Aires in 2018.