Just Play trainers ready for action

The Just Play soccer programme completed the first training course for the Cook Islands this week in preparation for the launch of the grassroots programme next Wednesday March 16 at Takitumu School.

Twenty-six teachers and community group leaders took part in the two-day facilitators’ course which was held at the CIFA complex in Matavera.

Michelle Paiti, Just Play project manager, explained to participants during her opening speech how football can be used as a social development tool and the important role they all play in delivering this programme before handing over to the course instructor Jimmy Katoa.

The course covered both theory and practical sessions where participants were guided in the use of the Just Play manual which will assist them in delivering the sessions throughout the six-week pilot phase.

A lot of fun was enjoyed by all the participants as they themselves took part in the football activities on the first day of practical sessions.

Activities were also arranged with the help of 60 boys and girls mainly from the Matavera area on Tuesday afternoon which assisted the facilitators in implementing a number of Just Play sessions successfully.

Social responsibility is an important part of this Just Play programme and Vania Kenning was able to share with the participants the roles we all play in this as she has recently returned home from a stint with the Oceania Football confederation’s social responsibilities division.

Finishing off the evening, Karen Tairea and her team from public health got the participants involved in some interactive activities during their presentation as the programme also promotes an active and healthy lifestyle.

Michelle Paiti was extremely pleased with the participant’s involvement throughout the course and is confident they will be able to implement the successful programme within their schools and communities.

“The Just Play team will provide ongoing support and guidance throughout the pilot phase to them all,” says Paiti.

Paiti would like to acknowledge the Australian Government (AusAID), Oceania Football Confederation and UEFA as the Just Play social development grassroots programme is funded by them.