Amidst the pristine beauty of the Cook Islands, a new chapter in football coaching is unfolding. Cook Islands Football Association (CIFA), in a groundbreaking collaboration with New Zealand Football (NZ Football), is championing the advancement of local football coaches by facilitating their attainment of the much-coveted C Licence in football coaching.

This initiative is poised to elevate the standard of coaching on the island, bringing forth a new era of skilled mentors ready to cultivate the next generation of football talent.

“A C Licence is more than just a certification; it’s a mark of professional recognition, symbolising a coach’s refined skill set and strategic expertise. It’s a passport to greater opportunities, enabling coaches to make an indelible mark on the game. For the Cook Islands football community, this represents a monumental leap forward, emboldening coaches to transform their passion for the sport into tangible, impactful guidance for their teams,” CIFA said.

Korosh Monsef, a qualified advanced coach developer for both Northern Region Football Federation and NZ Football, whose extensive experience and deep-seated knowledge of the game has been instrumental in this developmental endeavour.

Recently, Monsef graced the shores of Rarotonga to holiday and volunteer his time to share a wealth of knowledge that will support local coaches who have embarked on their journey to secure the C Licence.

CIFA hosted an enlightening session where Monsef, with his innate ability to inspire and educate, demonstrated the practical skills necessary for coaches to excel in their C Licence assessments.

“His presence was not only a testament to NZ Football’s commitment to fostering talent across the Pacific but also served as a beacon of inspiration for Cook Islands’ coaching fraternity.”

The session, organised by CIFA, provided an invaluable platform for local coaches to interact directly with Monsef who was able to address their questions and equip them with the confidence to navigate the rigorous requirements of the C Licence.

It was a rare opportunity for the coaches to witness first-hand the standards expected at the higher echelons of football coaching.

“Cook Islands Football’s vision extends beyond the immediate horizon; as CIFA aspires to see a surge in local coaches seizing upcoming opportunities to enhance their coaching acumen.

“The association is steadfast in its belief that through initiatives like these, the Cook Islands can foster a robust coaching infrastructure, one that not only develops the game domestically but also positions the nation as a hub of football excellence in the Pacific.”

• CIFA Media