Primary schools kids prepare for football festival

Primary school students are polishing up their football skills in readiness for the 2014 Primary School Round Cup set to kick off next month.

Primary school students are polishing up their football skills in readiness for the 2014 Primary School Round Cup set to kick off next month.

Staff from the Cook Islands Football Association technical department will be visiting schools across Rarotonga to coach aspiring football players.

Tahiri Elikana and Anthony Samuel are set to help mini football players improve their skills with drills and fun games while at school.

School children from year four through to year eight will have the opportunity to sharpen their football skills and to interact with their peers.

“We are looking at promoting the game through the visits and we will guide them at these coaching sessions,” says technical director Tuka Tisam.

“To improve and keep up their football skills and techniques for all the school children is important, so they have the opportunity to touch the ball during the tournament.”

The school programme will run till the end of term one starting with the very successful senior primary school championship for year seven and eight (form one and two) students and wrapping up with the one day tournament for students in grades four, five and six.

Year seven and eight students from Avarua, Nikao, St Joseph, Arorangi, Rutaki, Te Uki Ou, Imanuela Akateimia, Takitumu, Papaaroa, Avatea, Titikaveka and Nukutere have been receiving weekly football coaching and, will no doubt, shine on the field on game day.

Students from Te Uki Ou, Nukutere College and Arorangi got their first taste of fun football drills and games on Monday when they were visited by Elikana and Samuel.

“We encourage not only our teachers but our parents to get involved during the tournament, as we have seen last year, it motivates the students and they have fun.”