The 2024 Rarotonga Football Season gets officially underway today, marking the start of an exciting new chapter as teams across the island gear up for intense competition.

The season kicks off with grassroots divisions at 4.15pm, followed by a highly anticipated U18 men’s match at 4.50pm, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling season.

The grassroots divisions will be showcasing the next generation of Rarotongan football talent. At 4.15pm, the U6 Mix kicks off with Avatiu facing Nikao Sokattak on Field 1, Titikaveka taking on Puaikura FC on Field 2, and Tupapa Maraerenga clashing with Matavera-Ngatangiia on Field 3 in 7-a-side action.

Simultaneously, the U8, U10, and U12 Mix divisions will commence their matches. Avatiu versus  Nikao Sokattak, Titikaveka vs. Puaikura, and Tupapa Maraerenga FC vs. Matavera-Ngatangiia will be the matchups across Fields 1, 2, and 3, respectively. All U6, U8, and U10 Mix games will be held on CIFA’s top field, while the U12 Mix will play their 9-a-side games on CIFA’s bottom field.

These early matches are critical in fostering teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship among the young players, providing a solid foundation for their future in football.

Following the grassroots games, attention shifts to the U18 men’s division, which promises a display of exceptional football. This age group is a crucial stepping stone to senior levels, and the opening match is expected to be fiercely contested.

Avatiu FC will take on Nikao Sokattak FC in the opening U18 clash this afternoon.

Last season, Nikao Sokattak and Avatiu had a notable rivalry in the U18 men’s division. Their matchups were characterised by intense competition, reflecting the deep-rooted rivalry between these two clubs.

The U18 players have been rigorously preparing for the season, and their hard work is set to pay off. Fans can expect a match filled with tactical battles, skillful plays, and a preview of the future stars of Rarotongan football.

As the 2024 Rarotonga Football Season kicks off, today’s matches are just the beginning. The grassroots divisions and U18 men’s teams promise to deliver exciting football, uniting fans, families, and the community in support of their local teams.

• CIFA Media

Fixtures

CIFA Field 1: Under 6 Mix – 4:15pm Field 1 Avatiu vs Nikao Sokattak (Ref: Raita Savage/Ua Savage), Field 2 Titikaveka vs Puaikura (Ref: Athena Napa-Nicholas), Field 3 Tupapa Maraerenga vs Matavera-Ngatangiia (Ref: Athylene Bracious & Tupou Brogan); Under 8 Mix – 4:15pm Field 1 Avatiu vs Nikao Sokattak (Ref: Ranjeeta Singh & Rakesh Varman), Field 2      Titikaveka vs Puaikura (Ref: Andrew Teena & Jubilee Jubilee), Field 3 Tupapa Maraerenga vs Matavera-Ngatangiia (Ref: Jaceline Pukerua); Under 10 Mix – 4:15pm     Field 1 Avatiu vs Nikao Sokattak (Ref: Matilda Auua), Field 2 Titikaveka vs Puaikura (Ref: Karl Federick & Robert Savage Snr), Field 3 Tupapa Maraerenga vs Matavera-Ngatangiia (Ref: Robert Savage Jnr); CIFA Field 2: Under 12 Mix – 4:15pm Field 1 Avatiu vs Nikao Sokattak (Ref: Te Upoko Tuariki), Field 2 Titikaveka vs Puaikura (Ref: Tuakeu Paerau), Field 3 Tupapa Maraerenga vs Matavera-Ngatangiia (Ref: Penina Katuke); CIFA Field 1: Under 18 Men – 4:50pm Avatiu vs Nikao Sokattak (Ref: Te Upoko Tuariki,  AR1: Jaceline Pukerua, AR2: Matilda Auua, 4th: Robert Savage Snr).