In a significant step forward for football on the outer islands, the CIFA Technical Team recently concluded a productive 2.5-day visit to Aitutaki Football Association (Aitutaki FA). Led by CIFA Technical Director Matt Campbell and Women’s Football Development Officer (FDO) Tupou Brogan, the visit focused on expanding football development opportunities, building relationships with local schools, and supporting the growth of football throughout Aitutaki.
The visit was part of CIFA’s broader initiative to increase the accessibility and reach of football in the Cook Islands, with particular attention to the outer islands where the sport is still developing. This visit was aimed at strengthening the technical knowledge of both players and coaches, while also providing resources and materials to facilitate continued football development.
The trip began with a highly engaging and interactive football session at Apii Vaitau Primary School, one of the local schools on Aitutaki. The CIFA technical team delivered an educational and fun-filled session for the students, with a focus on enhancing their fundamental skills, improving techniques, and fostering a love for the game. The children eagerly participated in the activities, showcasing a great deal of enthusiasm and passion for football.
CIFA’s technical team was not only there to coach but also to support the schools with essential equipment. As part of the visit, CIFA donated several OFC-branded footballs, training bibs, and pop-up goals to the schools. These donations are invaluable, as they will significantly enhance training sessions, providing students with the tools they need to improve their skills and experience football in a more dynamic and effective way.
After the Apii Vaitau Primary session, Matt Campbell and Tupou Brogan proceeded to visit additional schools across Aitutaki. Over the next two days, the team visited Araura Primary School, Araura College, and Tekaaroa Primary School, where they continued to engage with students of all ages. At each school, the CIFA team delivered coaching sessions that were tailored to the needs and skill levels of the students. These visits provided a unique opportunity for young footballers to interact with experienced coaches, ask questions, and receive guidance on their development as players.
More than 100 young footballers participated in these classroom sessions, furthering the objective to increase participation and provide coaching to the island’s youth. Each session focused on building the foundational skills that young players need, while encouraging teamwork and discipline. With football in schools being a priority area for CIFA moving forward, these sessions are the first step toward creating a more structured and sustainable football program across the island.
In addition to the school visits, two special Academy sessions were held for Aitutaki’s 14-16-year-old players. These sessions were designed to offer more advanced coaching for players at a critical stage in their football development. The Academy sessions were a key feature of the trip, as they provided the players with an opportunity to learn more about the technical and tactical aspects of the game.
The Academy training focused on aspects such as game strategy, advanced ball control, and decision-making. Players were given personalized feedback and coaching to help them refine their skills and understand how to apply them in real-match situations. The goal of these sessions was not only to improve the players’ individual performance but also to inspire them to take their football journey to the next level.
The players attending these Academy sessions were seen sporting yellow kits (photos of the session are available), and they demonstrated a high level of commitment and enthusiasm. These sessions are a key part of CIFA’s efforts to ensure that Aitutaki has a clear pathway for player development and that young athletes are equipped with the tools they need to succeed both locally and regionally.
This visit to Aitutaki was just the beginning, as CIFA plans to continue working with local schools and football organizations to further develop and implement the Football in Schools program. This initiative aims to create a structured pathway for young players to progress in the sport, from the primary school level all the way to the national team.
As part of this broader vision, CIFA is already planning additional visits to other outer islands in early 2025. These visits will continue to focus on both player and coach development, while expanding the reach of football in schools. Through these efforts, CIFA hopes to build a more connected and robust football community across the Cook Islands, ensuring that young athletes from all corners of the nation have access to top-quality coaching, equipment, and development programs.
A special thanks goes to CIFA and AIFA for their continued support during this important technical visit. Their partnership was integral to the success of this outreach, and their ongoing commitment will help ensure that these visits are not one-off events but part of a larger, sustainable development strategy. CIFA looks forward to further collaboration with Aitutaki FA and other local organizations to continue to build on the success of this visit.
With the Football in Schools initiative growing and plans for further outreach in motion, the future of football in the outer islands looks incredibly promising. CIFA remains committed to its mission of fostering a love for the game and developing football talent at every level. Stay tuned for more updates on the upcoming visits to other outer islands and the exciting developments in the Technical Development Support (TDS) program!
CIFA Media
