The Cook Islands Football Under 19 Men’s Academy has resumed its preparation for the upcoming OFC U19 Men’s Championship – Qualifiers in April.

Despite the absence of some members who are yet to return from overseas holidays, Cook Islands Football academy director Jess Ibrom has initiated the training programme for those present, emphasising the importance of maximising the available time for preparation.

Ibrom, who is overseeing the academy’s activities with the assistance of Paul Allsworth, are both focused on the immediate task at hand – sharpening the skills and enhancing the tactical acumen of the young players under their tutelage.

In a statement, Cook Islands Football Association said: “The decision to commence training underscores the director’s recognition of the critical period leading up to the qualifiers and the necessity of early and focused preparation to achieve competitive readiness.”

The academy’s training sessions, scheduled for three days a week, are structured to provide the players with both technical expertise and strategic insights, the statement said.

“The comprehensive training plan has been developed with an eye on the challenges that lie ahead in the OFC qualifiers, aiming to forge a team that can perform under the pressures of international competition.”

Ibrom’s approach is pragmatic, focusing on the incremental development of the team’s capabilities. The training is not merely an exercise in physical development but a concerted effort to build a cohesive and strategically adept unit capable of navigating the complexities of tournament play.

As the academy moves forward with its rigorous training schedule, the Cook Islands U19 Men’s Football Academy is setting the stage for a serious campaign in the OFC qualifiers, with ambitions of making a significant impact on the regional football scene.

On Saturday, the Academy played a friendly match with Tupapa Maraerenga FC, who are preparing for the OFC Champions League Qualifiers. The qualifying tournament, scheduled to take place from February 17 to 23 in Tonga, promises to be a thrilling prelude to the main event. It will feature Tupapa FC, American Samoa’s Vaiala Tonga FC, Samoa’s Vaivase-Tai FC, and Tonga’s own Veitongo FC. These teams will face off in a round-robin format, ensuring that every team has the chance to prove their worth.

• CIFA Media