The course is aimed at coaches who have successfully completed parts one and two of the D Licence whilst demonstrating the ability to coach players at a senior level and is an accredited programme under the auspices of the OFC accreditation scheme.
The goal is to prepare coaches working with players from U-19 to senior level by expanding their knowledge and understanding of the technical and tactical demands of the game.
It is also to provide an understanding of practical coaching methodology and the framework necessary to prepare players and a team for competition.
Lynetta Laumea-Faai’uaso, the Just Play Project Manager for Football Federation Samoa (FFS) and coach of the Central United women’s team, participated in the course at FFS headquarters in Apia.
She says since completing her D1 and D2 Licences in 2011 she has been involved in football from grassroots to senior women’s level and through her role as Just Play manager she has been helping develop boys and girls in schools and communities to live healthier lifestyles.
“I wanted to complete my C Licence because of my passion for football and wanting to help promote and develop women’s football in Samoa,” Laumea-Faai’uaso says.
She says working with Chambaron has been eye-opening and she can’t wait to start putting what she has learnt into practice.
“Didier has taught us a lot and there is no way we cannot share his knowledge when we go back to our respective clubs. He is also very strict which made this course more professional and more enjoyable with his firm recommendation not only inside the classroom but also at practical sessions.”
She says the course has covered the technical demands of the game and how they relate to the principles while preparing coaches to better recognise problems as they occur in games, and solutions.
“We have learnt how to organise, develop and implement appropriate training sessions and offer correct and tactical guidance to players, and finally to develop a better understanding of the responsibilities of coaching.”
Laumea-Faai’uaso says there is a closely-knit group of coaches completing the course, including two new ones from the island of Savai’i.
“We have known each other since we played football together and some of them were my coaches. Now we are working together discussing ideas and sharing our knowledge and passion for the game in order to find ways in which we can be more of a help in developing the game in Samoa.”
As for putting what she has learnt into practice, she says first-up coaches like herself need to be well prepared.
“Plan your sessions well ahead and get organised,” she says.
“Then, while observing and evaluating your players and your session, evaluate yourself so you can improve as a coach to produce better players. Nothing will be difficult after that.”

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