Dominique has a dual role as national team coach as well as VFF futsal development officer meaning he’s covering the spectrum of grassroots to elite – and gaining an insight into how the nation is tracking in the game.
“As the futsal development officer in Vanuatu it is always my priority to train coaches as well as local Member Association’s development officers especially given the fast growing interest in futsal here,” he says.
“The OFC Level 2 was a very good course in terms of the development of futsal in general, and I can see the potential in the participants who are all excited about sharing what they learned.
“It also proved beneficial for the preparation of the national team as we get closer to the next OFC competition.”
Led by OFC Futsal Development Officer Paul Toohey, an additional component to the course saw OFC futsal coach-mentor Juliano Schmeling also lending his expertise.
Having worked closely with the Solomon Islands previously, Schmeling has a unique knowledge of the game in the region which he marries with the extensive knowledge and experience gained in his local Brazil.
Having Schmeling’s input has not only set up a good base in the attending coaches, but has equipped the national team players present with a wider knowledge of the techniques and tactics to be successful in futsal.
“As a young coach, I’ve only been involved in one OFC competition and am preparing the team for the FIFA Futsal World Cup qualifiers next year, it was great to work with someone like Juliano who has so much experience,” Dominique says.
“He helped the assistant coach and myself with the team by initiating some tactical and technical analysis based on the team’s appearance at the OFC Futsal Championship Invitational last year in Auckland.
“Apart from earning my OFC Futsal Level 2 certificate from the course, my main achievement was the time spent with Juliano working with the national team in the areas of defence, attack and transition.”
Dominique says Schmeling’s presence was of equal benefit to the coaches who attended from futsal communities around the country.
“It will definitely contribute a lot to the development of futsal in Vanuatu. The number of futsal leagues, teams and players is increasing rapidly in the local MAs therefore there is a growing need for trained coaches to carry out senior and youth futsal activities.
“This course and everything we have learned from Paul and Juliano will go a long way towards helping us meet that need.”
For more on Vanuatu football go to www.vanuafoot.vu

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