A thrilling day of grassroots football featuring young talent from across the island in the Under 6, U8, U10 and U12 mix divisions will battle today at CIFA complex in Matavera.

All eyes, however, will turn to the U18 Men’s fixture as Avatiu faces Matavera-Ngatangiia in what promises to be a competitive clash to cap off the day.

The future stars of Cook Islands football will kick off round eight competition, with the U6 mix teams hitting the pitch at 4:15pm. Tupapa Maraerenga will take on Titikaveka, while Puaikura battles Avatiu on Field 2. These matches offer an early glimpse of the emerging talent from each club.

In the U8 mix division, three matches will be held across the CIFA fields. Avatiu faces Matavera-Ngatangiia, Titikaveka takes on Nikao Sokattak, and Puaikura will clash with Tupapa Maraerenga.

The U10 mix games follow a similar format, with three exciting matchups across Fields 1, 2, and 3. Avatiu will once again meet Matavera-Ngatangiia, while Titikaveka squares off against Nikao Sokattak, and Puaikura faces Tupapa Maraerenga.

In the U12 mix, the teams remain the same, and the games promise to be just as competitive. This division often displays a greater understanding of tactics and teamwork, as players begin to grasp the nuances of the sport.

As the day draws to a close, the highlight match between Avatiu and Matavera-Ngatangiia in the U18 Men’s division will kick off at 4:50pm on CIFA Field 1.

Avatiu will be looking to continue their momentum after a strong start to the season, while Matavera-Ngatangiia is eager to secure their first win of the campaign.

Avatiu’s U18 squad features a blend of dynamic young players who have shown resilience in their previous outings. With a combination of pace on the wings and tenacity in the midfield, they will be aiming to capitalise on their form to overcome Matavera-Ngatangiia.

Matavera-Ngatangiia, although still in search of their first victory, has shown glimpses of promise. Their squad is determined to put in a strong performance and will look to exploit any weaknesses in Avatiu’s setup. A victory for Matavera-Ngatangiia today could be the spark they need to turn their season around.

• CIFA Media

Fixtures

Today’s fixtures and referee appointments at the CIFA Complex, Matavera: CIFA Field 1: Under 6 Mix – 4:15pm Field 1 Titikaveka vs Tupapa Maraerenga (Ref: Tasha Dean), Field 2 Puaikura vs Avatiu (Ref: Jason Lindsay and Raita Savage),

Under 8 Mix 4:15pm Field 1 Avatiu vs Matavera-Ngatangiia (Ref: Ranjeeta Singh), Field 2 Titikaveka vs Nikao Sokattak (Ref: Jubilee Jubilee), Field 3 Tupapa Maraerenga vs Puaikura (Ref: Athylene Savage), Under 10 Mix 4:15pm Field 1 Avatiu vs Matavera-Ngatangiia (Ref: Mata Iroa), Field 2 Titikaveka vs Nikao Sokattak (Ref: Jaceline Pukerua), Field 3 Tupapa Maraerenga vs Puaikura (Ref: Prashant Mani & Rakesh Varman). CIFA Field 2: Under 12 Mix - 4:15pm Field 1 Avatiu vs Matavera-Ngatangiia (Ref: Matila Auua), Field 2 Titikaveka vs Nikao Sokattak (Ref: Robert Savage Snr), Field 3 Tupapa Maraerenga vs Puaikura (Ref: Teupoko Tuariki); CIFA Field 1: Under 18 Men - 4:50pm Avatiu vs Matavera-Ngatangiia (Ref: Teupoko Tuariki, AR1: Ranjeeta Singh, AR2: George George, 4th: Penina Katuka)