Football development in Kiribati has taken a significant step forward, with OFC visiting the Associate Member to deliver workshops in futsal, beach soccer, coaching and refereeing last month.

The  visit brought OFC technical experts together with members of the Kiribati Islands Football Federation (KIFF), providing an opportunity to share knowledge and introduce new areas of the game to the country.

The trip marked an important moment for the future of football in Kiribati for President Eriati Reebo.

“It’s very good, because this is the first time that officials from OFC have come here and introduced futsal and beach soccer,” Reebo said.

The programme focused on providing participants with a foundation in coaching, refereeing and the rules of Futsal and Beach Soccer, with the latter offering particular potential in a country surrounded by coastline.

“Beach Soccer is really new to us, especially the rules,” Reebo said. “We thought it was just like football, but they have very different rules, and that’s interesting.

Kiribati has lots of beaches, so we can use this to develop football for young players, kids, women and girls.”

While infrastructure remains one of the federation’s biggest development priorities, Reebo said the visit had provided local coaches and referees with knowledge they could take back and share throughout their communities.

OFC Futsal and Beach Soccer Consultant Ben Hungai delivered the futsal coaching workshop, combining classroom learning with practical sessions to help local coaches develop their understanding of the game.

“The main aim of the workshop was to strengthen the knowledge and practical coaching skills of local coaches and give them tools that they can continue to use after the course,” Hungai said.

“Coaching is not only about teaching technical skills. It is also about understanding the players, creating realistic game situations, developing decision-making and helping players enjoy the game.”

Hungai said he saw strong potential for futsal to grow in Kiribati, particularly with the country’s young population and their passion for football.

“What impressed me the most was the enthusiasm and willingness of the coaches and participants to learn,” he said.

“Despite the challenges that exist, there was a strong passion for football and a genuine desire to improve. Football development in the Pacific is not only about facilities or resources. It is about people, commitment, passion and creating opportunities for young players.”

Refereeing was also a key part of the programme, with OFC Referee Instructor Hussein Mohammad working with local officials to strengthen their understanding of the Laws of the Game and match management.

“This was my first time in Kiribati and I really enjoyed this course,” Mohammad said. “It was great to be a part of history and be a part of the very first OFC visit to Kiribati.

“Kiribati had a willingness to learn. They now know what to do, they know what the rules are and now they know what to do after our course.”

Reebo said stronger referee education would play an important role in raising the level of football across the country.

“It increases their knowledge and skills and gives them more confidence in managing and officiating matches,” he said.

With new knowledge in futsal, beach soccer, coaching and refereeing, the visit has provided another foundation for KIFF as it looks towards greater opportunities in the future.

“We’re ready to compete,” Reebo said. “In less than three years, we can compete on the international and regional stage.”

Photo Credit: Kiribati Islands Football Federation