The Mixed Juniors Futsal Tournament for 2023 took place last Saturday at the Tuatea school grounds, Hakupu. 

It was a hot day for the fourteen teams who participated from villages including Alofi, Hakupu, Mutalau, Avatele, Vaiea, Tuapa, and Lakepa. 

There were two categories for the day, the 5 to 8 years old and the 9 to 12 years age group. 

Taking first place for the 5 to 8 years old was the Alofi Lil Kicks, second place to Alofi Shooters, third place went to Tama Fineone Ua and fourth place went to Aliutu Phoenix.

For the 9 to 12 years age group, taking the championship title was Tama Fineone Taha, second place went to Avatele, third place to Tuapa and fourth place to Mutalau. 

There were also Most Valuable Players awards for the day, for MVP boy and girl of each team which was selected by the referees. 

Most Valuable Players

5-8 year category team MVP Boy MVP Girl
Tama Fineone Ua Darson Pearson-Tatui Feuina Viviani
Alofi Lil Kicks Nathaniel Fetaui Nora-Rose Rex
Avatele Hake Tose Laufoli Averie Pavihi
Tuapa Grayson Pihigia Adriel Okesene
Alofi Shooters Asher Rex Shiloh Schaumkel
Aliutu Phoenix Jerome Tomailuga Octavia Tatui
9-12 year category team MVP Boy MVP Girl
Lakepa Tuakis Bevan Smith Edan Gulliver
Alofi Bullets Rhym Asanso Stacey Seumanu
Mutalau Errom Matagiaga Ima Pioiva
Vaiea Apete Kalapu Alison Taliu
Tuapa Jethro Okesene Esa Faitala
Alofi Guns Onra Skinner Saryiah Saniteli
Tama Fineone Taha TK Tatui Huvalu Talagi

From the Niue Football Association, “Fakaaue lahi to all the teams that participated in the tournament, it was a great show of skill and sportsmanship on and off the field. In three years, we saw a huge improvement in skills. 

“We hope for continuous support from all key partners, sponsors to continue the biggest sport in the world here on island and abroad.”

The Open mens and womens futsal tournament will take place on Saturday 12th of August next month. Follow the Niue Football Association Facebook Page for more updates #NiueFootballAssociation