Photo Credit: OFC Media 

OFC Associate member Tuvalu Islands Football Association (TIFA) has delivered a successful MA Senior Coaching course with support from OFC, Fijian Football Association, and the Tuvalu Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (TASNOC). 

In the capital of Funafuti, a group of 13 participants gathered for a four-day OFC Senior Certificate Course. Those involved included schoolteachers, national team players, and age group coaches. 

On behalf of OFC, Fijian Football Association (FFA) Technical Director Timo Jankowski led the delivery of the course, that was specifically designed to meet the specific needs of Tuvalu’s football community. 

“The coaches were very committed as many also had to fulfil their duties at work and looking after children, so we did the course over four days from 8.30 – 12.00 in the morning and 19.00 – 23.00 in the evening, to fulfill the required standards,” explained Jankowski. 

“We had around 30 hours of content from designing and delivering practical sessions, and case studies. One of the highlights was a Law of the Game quiz, which got very competitive with attractive football shirts as prizes.” 

Due to flooding on the country’s only football pitch, sessions had to be run on the airport, a challenge Tuvalu, along with many other OFC Member Associations (MAs), faces because of climate change. 

But adapting is what Oceania does best.   

“A standout moment occurred on the final day when we brought two senior teams in, where we worked on a tactical session with focus on transitions where all coaches were actively involved in different roles, before finishing the course with a nice dinner with everyone,” said Jankowski.  

The next step for these certified coaches, is to apply what they’ve learned and implement it in their communities. A group has been created on the OFC learn platform to enable them to stay in touch and share their progress in Tuvalu. 

“We asked the coaches why they wanted to be part of the course, and many said that they want to help grow football in their country and create opportunities for the younger generations,” said Jankowski. 

OFC Head of Education and High-Performance, Owain Prosser, expressed his delight in supporting the organisation of this course and thanked FFA for providing Timo Jankowski to lead the delivery.   

“The positive partnership between an OFC Member Association (FFA) and Associate Member (TIFA) not only provided a positive learning experience for coaches involved but also strengthens relationships for future collaboration.”