APIA: Acting OFC President and President of Samoa Football (Soccer) Federation, Tautulu Roebeck, last week closed the inaugural FIFA GOAL Turf Maintenance Workshop held at the Insel Fehmarn Hotel and at the Toleafoa JS Blatter Football Fields in Apia.
OFC National Association ground maintenance officers assembled in Apia for three days for the first workshop of its kind to be held by FIFA in the Oceania region.
The three day seminar, which was headed by FIFA Development Officer, Glenn Turner, and Course Instructor, Laurie Stubbing, has focused on the ongoing maintenance of the FIFA GOAL Projects across Oceania.
Samoa, as a pilot GOAL Project for Oceania, has excellent facilities and was being used as the role model for GOAL Projects across the region. It was inaugurated in July 2001 and was the second GOAL Project to be opened after the renovations done to the Solomon Islands’ Lawson Tama Stadium in Honiara.
Moshen Gilani, FIFA Goal Project Consultant, was also in attendance and was impressed with the seminar and the project in Samoa. Furthermore, he engaged in meetings with SFSF senior officials and National Technical Director David Brand to discuss further FIFA projects to hopefully be established in 2004 and beyond.
At the closing ceremony, Gilani stressed the importance of maximization of facilities, the role of the groundkeeper, ongoing training and maintenance. “The seminar has been a positive experience for all concerned and FIFA have been pleased for Samoa to host the world’s first GOAL Turf Maintenance Workshop. There is now a need to maximise all facilities and realise that this is the first step but not the last in the ongoing development of the projects within Oceania.” he commented.
FIFA GOAL Development Officer Glenn Turner stated “the seminar had achieved it objectives and developed friendships within the family of Football which will lead to a sharing of ideas and knowledge across Oceania.” In closing his address, he thanked the Samoan Football Soccer Federation for their co-operation and hospitality.
Acting OFC President Mr Tautulu Roebeck emphasised the need for National Associations to employ and educate groundskeepers with the dedication and passion to develop and maintain these world class facilities. He acknowledged all the participants and course co-ordinators and presenters and congratulated them for a team effort that has made this seminar such a huge success. “I now urge all of you for the need to continue learning, take home, utilise and pass on the knowledge and information gained during this seminar. Thank you to you all and God Bless,” he said.