More than twenty Ni-Vanuatu coaches, including two women, who are shaping their coaching careers at community level in Vanuatu are slowly but surely adding to their accomplishments thanks to their participation in the OFC Senior C Licence Coaching Course which was held in, Luganville, Espirito Santo in late June.
Delivered by OFC Head of Training and Education, Giovani Fernandes, and VFF Technical Director, Peter Takaro, the course developed the 26 participants’ ability to plan, prepare, conduct and evaluate coaching sessions by building a deeper understanding of the principles of the game.
Fernandes was delighted with the successful outcome of the course and believes the coaches of Vanuatu have plenty of potential.
“The challenge for these coaches will be the coaching process, the ability to execute any type of structure or process, not only in training but in the implementation of any plan or activity,” he said.
The OFC Senior ‘C’ Licence is part of OFC’s FIFA-funded coaching accreditation pathway, which outlines the necessary requirements for coaches to progress from a ‘MA’ Senior Licence to an ‘A’ Licence and covers all levels of the game including grassroots, youth and senior football.
In order to qualify for the OFC Senior ‘C’ Licence, all participants must already have obtained a ‘MA’ Senior Licence and be coaching a youth U-19 or senior team at community level.
VFF’s focus on upskilling and educating their football coaches was brought on by the desire to leave a legacy in the area of education and increase the competitiveness of national and regional leagues in the country.
In addition, OFC Competitions is slowly introducing stricter requirements for coaches leading teams at regional tournaments, with the OFC Champions League an example where minimum coaching accreditation is a requirement.
Fernandes said the main challenge for coaches to reach their next level will be their mindset and commitment to self-development.
“There is a level of discomfort with achieving the licence; to improve a coach needs to embrace the challenges and do what is needed to achieve his or her personal goals.”
Takaro was pleased to see so many of the football-mad local coaches take the next step in their burgeoning careers and believes the fruits of that labour will soon be borne.
“We are delighted to have hosted this important course,” Takaro said.
“We are grateful to all the participants for taking part and upgrading their skills so we can work together to improve the sport in our country.”