The Cook Islands Football Association (CIFA) recently hosted a two-day workshop led by FIFA Regional Technical Expert Patrice Flaccadori at the Muri Beach Club Hotel, bringing together CIFA staff, club representatives and key football stakeholders.
The first day of the workshop focused on CIFA staff, providing an opportunity to examine the current state of amateur and grassroots football in the Cook Islands. The second day expanded the discussion to include club members and stakeholders, encouraging wider engagement and shared understanding of the findings.
A key focus of the workshop was the FIFA Amateur Football Eco Analysis Report, which was initiated in 2023 and has now been finalised for the Cook Islands. The report provides a detailed insight into the country’s amateur and grassroots football environment, while also comparing the Cook Islands with football environments around the world.
The analysis provides CIFA with valuable information to better understand the strengths, challenges and opportunities within the local football ecosystem. It will also help identify areas where further development and support can have the greatest impact across clubs, grassroots football and the wider game.
Following the workshop, CIFA will now review the findings and recommendations outlined in the report. These recommendations will be considered as part of CIFA’s future operational and strategic planning, with the aim of continuing to strengthen football structures and create greater opportunities for players, coaches, clubs, volunteers and stakeholders.
The workshop also provided an important opportunity for open discussion and collaboration, ensuring that the future direction of football development is informed by both the findings of the analysis and the experiences of those involved in the local game.
CIFA sincerely thanks Patrice Flaccadori and FIFA for their continued support and commitment to the development of football in the Cook Islands.
The completion of the Amateur Football Eco Analysis marks another important step for CIFA as it looks to build a stronger, more sustainable and connected football environment for the future.
CIFA Media
