Two of the Cook Islands’ most promising young footballers, Eliakima Webb (16yrs) and Maui Denny (15yrs), have taken a major step forward in their sporting and academic journeys after being selected for CIFA’s Scholarship Programme to attend Mount Albert Grammar School in Auckland, New Zealand.
This is a massive opportunity for both young players and a proud moment for their families, clubs, and the wider Cook Islands football community. Their selection highlights how clear development pathways are being created for young players, showing what is possible through commitment, hard work, and strong local competitions.
Their selection also marks an important milestone for the Cook Islands Football Association (CIFA), as 2025 sees the re-establishment of the successful CIFA Scholarship Programme—an initiative that CIFA has been actively working on over the past six months.
The programme is a key strategic focus aimed at developing future generations of Cook Islands footballers and has been strongly championed by CIFA President Grover Harmon, who has pushed for its return since the beginning of his presidency, having himself previously benefited from the scholarship pathway during his playing days.
CIFA has enjoyed a strong and enduring relationship with Mount Albert Grammar School for over 20 years. The school is New Zealand’s second-largest and has a proud sporting tradition, guided by its well-known motto: “Through hardship to glory.”
Eliakima Webb, who comes through Tupapa-Maraerenga FC, and Maui Denny, who represents Titikaveka FC, have both shown impressive growth and improvement by competing in the U18 Men’s and Premier Men’s teams during the recent local football season. Their ability to perform at higher levels at such a young age reflects their maturity, talent, and readiness for the next step in their development.
The scholarship provides valuable football opportunities through school programmes and winter clubs, supporting continued player development, while also offering high-quality educational opportunities at one of New Zealand’s leading secondary schools. CIFA aims to make this scholarship pathway a sustainable, long-term programme, opening doors for more Cook Islands youngsters to follow in the footsteps of Eliakima and Maui in the years ahead.
Congratulations to Eliakima Webb and Maui Denny on this awesome achievement. Both players have shown outstanding talent and dedication on the pitch, locally and internationally, and the entire Cook Islands football community wishes them all the best as they begin this exciting new chapter.
CIFA Media
