Labasa College has emerged as one of the breakout teams of this year’s Secondary Schools Futsal Competition, with first-time participation turning into a remarkable national campaign under coach Roneel Avnith Ram.

The school made an immediate impact in the competition, fielding teams in all four grades — Under-17 Girls, Under-19 Girls, Under-17 Boys, and Under-19 Boys — and quickly establishing itself among the country’s strongest futsal programmes.

Labasa College’s girls’ teams dominated the Northern Division competition, remaining unbeaten to secure championship titles in both the Under-17 and Under-19 categories.

The boys’ teams also impressed throughout the campaign.

The Under-17 side narrowly lost their final 1–0 in extra time, while the Under-19 team suffered a 3–1 penalty shootout defeat against Labasa Muslim College after a closely contested encounter.

Despite those setbacks, all four Labasa College teams qualified for the National Finals, where they continued their strong performances against top schools from around Fiji.

Both girls’ teams topped their pools unbeaten, while the boys advanced as runners-up, with every Labasa College side reaching the semi-finals, an extraordinary achievement for a school making its national futsal debut.

The Under-17 girls became the standout team of the tournament. They defeated MGM High School 4–0 in the semi-final before overcoming defending champions AD Patel College 3–1 in the grand final to secure the national title and complete the season undefeated.

Several individual honours also went to Labasa College players.

Vilomena Batirerega received the Golden Ball award as the tournament’s Best Player, while teammate Kalisi Dama claimed the Golden Boot award as the leading goal scorer.

The school’s success has also paved the way for national selection opportunities. Players Beatrice, Kalisi, Vilomena, Seini, Azharia, Ashlina, and Grace have been named in the initial Fiji Under-17 national futsal squad and are set to attend Youth Olympics trials in Suva ahead of the Youth Olympic Games in Senegal later this year.

Coach Ram’s leadership has also been recognised nationally.

Following the tournament, he was appointed Assistant Coach of the Fiji Under-17 Girls National Futsal Team, where he will assist preparations for the Youth Olympic Games.

Reflecting on the season, Ram credited the players’ dedication and teamwork for the school’s success, saying the campaign was built on months of sacrifice, discipline, and commitment.

He also stressed that football is about more than trophies, describing the sport as a platform for teaching discipline, resilience, teamwork, leadership, and respect, values he believes will benefit young people beyond the game itself.

Ram hopes Labasa College’s achievements will inspire more young athletes across Fiji to pursue their goals and believe in what can be achieved through hard work and unity.