FASA – a breath of fresh air for the Fiji soccer community in Sydney

FASA stands for Fiji Australia Sports Association and its emergence last year was inevitable due to a number of teams being frustrated with the manner in which the existing Fiji soccer body carried out its operations.  Prior to Sanatan International Convention, teams were threatened with suspension if they participated in tournaments other than the soccer authority’s nominated event.  The days of threatening players/teams, bullying people to dance to the soccer association’s tune is long over. The modern world does not operate through dictatorship and bullying, but works in collaboration with all stakeholders to enjoy success. It is quite ironic that a sporting body which should promote friendship and teamwork, did exactly the opposite.  FASA is an incorporated association with the Office of Fair Trading, and in November last year became an affiliate of Southern Districts Soccer Football Association. FASA’s aim is to continue the Fiji soccer tradition in Sydney, while actively promoting youth and community participation. This is the reason why the association changed its name to Fiji Australia Sports Association.  An interim management committee has been set up with the foundation members that established FASA. The committee’s main objective is to promote professionalism, sportsmanship and ensure enjoyable sporting events for all former Fiji residents in Sydney.  image (3)FASA’sFiji Cup Tournamentwas a huge success as demonstrated by the emergence of two new winners and runners-up who previously were not able to achieve similar success playing in other Sydney tournaments. Similarly, a number of individual players stood out due to a more level playing field than many one sided matches in past tournaments.  In accordance with its aims and objectives, FASA catered for the greater community by providing opportunities for youth soccer and netball for female participation. The major sponsors are Esy Kool(Eswa and Shalini Nadan)and Hemant Prakash (Solicitor).  FASA is also grateful to Navtarang Media for promoting the event and providing excellent post tournament coverage. FASA’s hardworking officials also contributed to the success of the tournament as they continuously experienced unexpected challenges due to interference from those that did not wish the new association to succeed.  FASA promised its stakeholders that it will grow its sports network further in 2015. Following the success of Fiji Cup tournament, there has been an overwhelming support in the local community with new teams inquiring about joining the network. FASA also received interest from overseas teams for its inaugural International Veterans Soccer tournament.  To avoid clashing dates with other soccer tournaments in Sydney, FASA officials met on 26 February to finalise its calendar of events and release the dates to the community. As FASA’s intention is to bring unity amongst the youth, premier and veteran soccer teams, it welcomes prospective teams to any or all three of its upcoming events. FASA, however, has strict guidelines on who can join the association and the code of conduct expected from the officials and players.  FASA officials encourage new netball teams to join its network and will establish a netball committee if there is sufficient interest. For queries, please contact FASA via email fasa.sydney@gmail.com Also check out FASA’s Facebook profile – Fiji Australia Sports Association, for up-to-date information.  NAVTARANG COMMUNITY CUP Date: 12/13 September 2015 Venue: To be advised Interested teams (O/30s, O/40s, & Premiers) should contact via email: fasa.sydney@gmail.com Please note tournament date may need to be rescheduled if NSW league is not completed by then.  ESYKOOL SPONSORED FIJI CUP TOURNAMENT Date: 21/22 November 2015 Venue: To be advised A local veterans soccer tournament for over 30s andover 40s, with kids soccer and netball competition. Please note tournament date may need to be rescheduled. FANCA’s  AUSTRALIAN MUSLIM SOCCER TOURNAMENT Date: 24 to 26 April 2016 Venue: Ninveh Sports Stadium FANCA officials have received confirmations from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne soccer teams. The officials will select teams to represent Australia at the upcoming International Club Championship in Nadi later this year. For further inquiries, please contact Jimmy.