Photo Credit: CIFA Media
The Cook Islands Football Association (CIFA) recently hosted its Youth Football coaching course, supported by the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), to certify local coaches and elevate youth football development in the region.
OFC Player Development officer Phill Parker, who assisted throughout the three-day event, described it as a “huge success.” He praised the involvement of local coach educators, noting their distinct and professional delivery of the course.
“Lead coach educator Ngati Manuela, with his expert teaching background, created a supportive environment, while co-educators Tupou Brogan and Tyson Tekeu provided sessions with vibrant support,” added Parker.
The course aimed to certify local coaches, helping them to enhance their knowledge of coaching young players aged 13-17 years-old and the importance of continued long-term player development across the Cook Islands. CIFA Technical Director, Matt Campbell, called the course “hugely beneficial for providing coaches with valuable knowledge, ideas, and inspiration.”
Twelve participants from various clubs in Rarotonga attended, engaging in topics on effective coaching process, safeguarding and creating positive learning environments for youth players. Each day culminated in on-field sessions, where participants applied their theoretical concepts learned.
One participant Tehai Wuatai said, “I loved the Grassroots Course, so I jumped at the chance to do the youth course, and I love it even more.”
Growth and development not just for the participants, but for local coach educators too, like CIFA Women’s Development Officer Tupou Brogan and Goalkeeping Development officer, Tyson Tekeu.
“I don’t really like to talk in front of people, but the course gave me confidence. It taught me to be more open minded and how to tailor my teaching approach to different participants and not be afraid to move content around to fit what works for us in the Cook Islands,” said Brogan.
Tekeu echoed Brogans statements, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to practice content delivery, noting how it has significantly boosted his confidence in front of an audience.
“I appreciated the supportive environment that allowed me to enhance my coaching knowledge, refine delivery skills and connect with fellow educators,” says Tekeu.
The course concluded with all twelve participants receiving their CIFA Youth Football Coaching and OFC Intro to Player Development certificates, marking a milestone in their coaching journey and for youth football in the Cook Islands.
“Coach Education is very important to the future of our football development goals. More qualified coaches will only strengthen our football community and aspirations,” said Campbell.
The CIFA coach education coincided with an OFC Player Development Workshop, where Parker emphasised the importance of the OFC Player Development model. He encouraged the use of skills challenges and awards as incentivised self-training tools for both coaches and aspiring players.
“Good players and good people take time to develop. The conditions and environmental factors are key to understanding long term player development, so establishing a core starting point is vital. Gradually developing is the best way to describe what we did this week,” said Parker.
“Greater exposure to match references, knowledgeable coaches, high-quality activity content, and higher-level play will accelerate their growth, whether through inbound or outbound tours or local competitive play structures.”
The week wrapped up by attending the opening ceremony of the 2024 Cook Island Games (CIG), giving Parker a clear insight into the sporting pride in the Cook Islands, with football featuring in week two of the CIG24.
Looking to the future, Parker and Campbell have devised a two-year plan to increase mentoring and offer opportunities for local coaches and players to experience football at different levels, potentially through an exchange program.