The five-day course was held early this month and attended by a wide range of participants, all of whom play an active role in grassroots football in their various clubs and villages.
They were given the opportunity to learn from FIFA Instructor Didier Chambaron, the OFC head of education and training, who was joined in conducting the course by OFC player development officer Daniel Shirley.
The goals of the gathering were to raise awareness of the importance of grassroots football and to equip the participants with the knowledge to organise age-appropriate activities for children aged six to 12.
They had the chance to put what they had learned into practice when a festival involving local children was staged to wrap up the course.
Frenchman Chambaron, who played at the third tier of football in his homeland, was pleased with how the course panned out and says the grassroots level is a key aspect of coaching development.
“I believe coaching is very much about understanding the players you are working with and providing an environment that meets their needs,” he says. “Understanding that is the key to being a successful football coach.”
FFS chief executive Sarai Bareman was pleased to be hosting the event and believes it will prove to be of great significance.
“This course is vitally important to the future of football in Samoa,” she says.
“We have put a lot of resources and time into rebuilding senior football and, now that we have activities running and an infrastructure in place at that level, it is time to focus on the children.
“To improve the level of football in our country and ultimately the performances of our teams on the international field we must start at the grassroots level.”
For more on Samoan football go to www.footballsamoa.ws

Share