An Auckland based student has made the Indo-Fijian community proud by being selected to play for National Fiji Soccer as a part of the Under 17 Soccer team, which will be playing in the Oceania World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Vanuatu in April.
Sixteen-Year-old Shalvin Sharma, who is a Year 13 student at ACG Sunderland School & College, says that he was inspired by his father (Vineet) and late grandfather to progress in the game.
“I am excited to carry on the family tradition. I feel good playing for the ‘Under 17 Soccer Team’ of National Fiji Soccer,” he said.
ACG Sunderland Principal, Nathan Villars described Shalvin as ‘an exceptional and hardworking student.’
“He gained his university entrance last year at 16 years of age. He is a House Captain this year and takes the responsibility seriously,” he said.
Shalvin is also the winner of the School ‘Over Roll Sports Achievement’ Trophy.
Tough training
He reportedly trains three times a day, the first session focused on fitness. He plays soccer after school and works out in the gym at night.
If the Fiji side makes it through the qualifiers in April, the team will play for the World Cup in Dubai later in the year.
Shalvin is justifiably proud of being a part of the Onehunga Sports Team, which won the league match this year.
He toured Japan with the WYNRS Academy in 2009, playing in a tournament at which teams from China, Korean, Japan and New Zealand teams competed.
His other credits include (1) a tour of England with the Academy in 2010 to play against Blackburn Rovers, West Ham United, Bolton Wanderers, Reading and Aston Villa (2) One Nation Cup in Germany in 2011 (3) Nike Cup World Final in Manchester in 2011 and (4) Pacific Cup in Auckland in 2012 playing for Nadi Fiji, which won the championship.
