The Cook Islands Football Association (CIFA) recently sent two of its coaches, Tupou Brogan and Ngati Manuela, to Samoa for a week-long Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Training and Enchantment Workshop.

This educational journey aimed to equip these dedicated coaches with new techniques and strategies, enabling them to enhance coaching methods within the Cook Islands football community.

By participating in this workshop, Brogan and Manuela sought to not only develop their skills but also contribute to the growth and success of coaches and players under their tutelage here in the Cook Islands.

In a statement CIFA said: “The impact of such international training opportunities is immeasurable, as they foster cross-cultural knowledge exchange, collaboration, and innovation within the sport – essential elements for elevating Cook Islands football to new heights on a regional and global stage.”

“Developing coaches with the best techniques is a top priority for both CIFA and OFC, as it plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall performance and success of football teams. By equipping coaches with comprehensive skill sets and in-depth knowledge of the game, they are better positioned to devise innovative strategies, identify developing coaches and players’ strengths and weaknesses, and effectively communicate their vision to the team.

“This investment in coaching education not only leads to improved performance in matches but also fosters long-term growth and development within the Cook Islands football community.”

Brogan said for some time, they had only one individual qualified to conduct the coach educator courses in the entire country.

“Now, with the addition of two more members to our team, we possess the capacity to run an increased number of coaching courses across all pathways – from grassroots to senior men’s and women’s levels in the Cook Islands.”

Brogan and Manuela’s attendance at the week-long workshop proved to be an enriching experience, as it delved into vital aspects such as strategic planning and confidence-building.

These elements enabled coaches like themselves to effectively identify their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Throughout the workshop, innovative strategies were introduced that not only facilitated in optimising training sessions but also ensured personal growth for these dedicated coaches.

By fully immersing themselves in this collaborative learning environment, both Brogan and Manuela were able to enhance their skills in coaching, bringing further success to their respective teams and unlocking new opportunities for growth and improvement, CIFA said.

“The recently concluded successful workshop in Samoa marked a significant milestone for the advancement of football in the Cook Islands, as Brogan and Manuela’s triumphant return has spurred their impassioned resolve to share their acquired knowledge with developing coaches. Their commitment aligns perfectly with the CIFA’s vision to foster football development across the islands.”

Driven by this shared goal, Brogan has swiftly commenced planning workshops for these burgeoning coaches – proving that no island is too remote, as evidenced by her intent to visit even the farthest reaches of the Cook Islands.

The primary objective of the course was to develop proficient coach educators who can effectively train and support others in the field. This workshop was made possible through the financial support of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) and spearheaded by two accomplished professionals: Andy Hedge, the OFC Coach Educator Expert, and Owain Prosser, OFC's Head of Education and High Performance. Their leadership and expertise ensured that participants received top-notch guidance and instruction throughout the event.

Manuela stated: “The overall experience from the workshop was meticulously planned. It was fantastic to interact with coaches from across the Pacific, including the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, PNG, Samoa, Fiji, and Tonga. We learned from one another about our involvement in football and the various levels we operate. The stories shared and bonds formed during this event offered a truly wholesome experience.”

• CIFA Media