The Cook Islands is set to take another significant step forward in the development of women’s football, with the Cook Islands Football Association (CIFA) confirming it will host its first-ever Women’s Only FIFA/OFC C Licence Coaching Course this October.
Funded through the FIFA Women’s Football Development Programme and facilitated by renowned women’s football development specialist Stéphanie Spielmann, the course aims to provide female coaches with an unprecedented opportunity to gain internationally recognised coaching qualifications while remaining in the Cook Islands.
As the women’s game continues to grow across the country, CIFA has placed a strong emphasis on creating opportunities for women not only as players, but also as coaches, leaders, administrators and role models. The women-only coaching course represents a major milestone in that vision, providing a pathway for women to further their involvement in football and develop the skills needed to influence the future of the game.
The FIFA/OFC C Licence is regarded as a key qualification within Oceania’s coaching framework. It focuses on developing coaches’ abilities to effectively plan, organise, deliver and evaluate football training sessions, while building a deeper understanding of the technical and tactical principles of the game. In the Cook Islands, the qualification is recognised within CIFA’s club licensing structure and is an important requirement for coaches working at senior women’s level.
Beyond the technical aspects of coaching, the October course is expected to create a supportive environment where female coaches can learn from one another, share experiences and establish valuable professional networks. Many participants will be taking their first steps on the elite coaching pathway, and organisers hope the programme will inspire more women and girls to see coaching as a meaningful and achievable role within football.
CIFA Technical Director said the association was proud to be delivering a course specifically designed for women and acknowledged the collective effort behind the initiative.
“We are really proud to announce this course for our strong female football community. This course is the start of the elite pathway as a coach and will provide a significant learning opportunity and qualification for our selected coaches.
“I would like to acknowledge CIFA leadership for backing our strategy, and Teretia, our amazing and passionate Women’s Development Officer, who has worked hard in the background to bring this to life.”
The course also aligns closely with CIFA’s Vaine Toa in Football Women’s Football Strategic Plan 2025-2026, which focuses on increasing participation, improving coaching standards and creating leadership pathways for women throughout the sport.
Women’s Development Officer Teretia Teinaki said the opportunity was a landmark moment for women’s football in the Cook Islands.
“This course is an important step forward for female football development in the Cook Islands, providing women with the opportunity to gain an internationally recognised coaching accreditation on home soil. We hope it inspires more women and girls to pursue coaching, develop their leadership skills, and play an active role in shaping the future of football in our country.
“I’m quite excited to see how this is going to turn out.”
For many aspiring coaches, the October programme will represent far more than a qualification. It will be an investment in confidence, leadership and long-term development, helping build a stronger network of female coaches capable of supporting future generations of players.
As women’s football continues to gain momentum throughout the Cook Islands, the introduction of a dedicated women’s coaching pathway demonstrates CIFA’s commitment to ensuring women have opportunities to contribute at every level of the game. The Women’s Only FIFA/OFC C Licence Coaching Course is expected to play an important role in shaping the next generation of female football leaders and strengthening the future of women’s football across the country.
CIFA Media
