The Cook Islands Football Association (CIFA) continues to strengthen football development across the country through an increased focus on coach education, creating more opportunities for coaches to gain qualifications and develop the knowledge and skills needed to support players at every level of the game. By investing in coaches, CIFA is investing directly in the quality of football experiences available to children, young players and senior teams throughout the Cook Islands.
As part of this commitment, CIFA has expanded its coach education and football development programmes into the outer islands, ensuring that opportunities are accessible to communities beyond Rarotonga. Recent Grassroots Coaching Courses were successfully delivered in Aitutaki and Mangaia, providing local coaches with practical tools and knowledge that can be applied within clubs, schools and community football programmes. The FIFA Football for Schools Education Programme was also delivered in Mauke, further supporting the development of football by using the game as a platform for education and personal growth. CIFA plans to continue this rollout with programmes scheduled for Atiu and Mitiaro by the end of 2026, reinforcing its commitment to ensuring football development reaches every corner of the Cook Islands.
Coach education remains a vital part of CIFA’s football development pathway, and the association has an exciting programme of advanced coaching opportunities planned for 2026. In September, CIFA will host a Goalkeeper C Licence Course in partnership with the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), providing coaches with specialised training focused on goalkeeper development and the unique demands of the position. This will be followed in October by a Women’s C Licence Course, creating an important opportunity for women coaches to advance their qualifications, strengthen their coaching knowledge and increase female representation within the coaching community. In November, a Men’s C Licence Course will provide another pathway for coaches seeking to progress through the formal coaching structure and further develop their skills.
Together, these programmes represent a significant investment in the future of football across the Cook Islands. They provide coaches with valuable learning opportunities while helping to create a stronger, more diverse and highly qualified coaching workforce. They also form part of CIFA’s long-term vision of establishing a clear and sustainable pathway for coaches to continue progressing towards higher qualifications, including a future B Licence.
Quality coaching is fundamental to player development. Coaches are often the people who have the greatest day-to-day influence on a player’s football journey, from introducing children to the game for the first time through to supporting talented players competing at higher levels. For this reason, CIFA’s coach education programme goes beyond simply achieving qualifications. It is about building confidence, sharing knowledge, developing leadership skills and creating a network of coaches committed to continuous learning and improvement.
With grassroots courses reaching the outer islands, FIFA Football for Schools education programmes supporting communities, and advanced C Licence opportunities being delivered in partnership with OFC, CIFA is continuing to build a strong and sustainable coach education pathway throughout the Cook Islands. As the association looks ahead, its focus remains clear: to develop coaches, strengthen football communities and create better opportunities for players across the nation while building towards a future B Licence pathway.
CIFA Media
