Just Play football wraps up

Wednesday 12: Cook Islands Football Association wrapped up a successful Just Play programme, for yet another year, last Saturday.

The kids were treated by CIFA officials to sausage sizzles before packing for home.

CIFA’s Mii Piri said that this year’s programme has become a great success with numbers increasing every Saturday.

Just Play football programme was introduced by CIFA for the first time last year for children between 5 and 13 years of age.

‘Just Play’ is the brainchild of Oceania Football Confederation head of technical development Jim Selby, aimed at encouraging children to play football, pursue good health, good eating habits and physical activity, and encourage technical development and enjoyment of the sport.

CIFA development Officer Jimmy Katoa said this year they aimed to give the kids the round ball and watch how they would fare with it.

He said into the second week they knew they were looking at some consistency in some of the young ones.

“There’s a lot of good young talent and some raw ones coming through.”

“Last year was great for the first time. This year the support from parents, coaches and player numbers has increased every Saturday and we received very good and positive comments from parents saying that their young ones can’t wait until the next Saturday.

“Most of the parents stayed and helped with the coaching, getting involved and having fun as well.

Some dropped the kids off on their way to the market but they do make it back to watch the kids for a while before the end of the programme.” - CIFA Media