Ms Sope was in Port Vila this week to conduct a two days Just Play workshop in Vila and two days workshop in Luganville, Santo for primary school teachers and communities.
”If we invest correctly in the life’s of kid’s football today, I am sure that tomorrow every countries who have Just Play program will see the result of their hard work.”
“I would like to encourage you all today to keep working hard with this very important program (Just Play) because it helps the kids to keep fit and keep away from problems and also helps each child to develop their skills in football, the most popular sport in the world.”
“As a Ni-Vanuatu, I would like to see football reach all rural areas in Vanuatu in the future to help the kids in the rural areas to play football.”
“It’s our duty to spread the good news of football to our children to help them live a better life in the future.”
“Football is a great tool of education and let’s holds hands together to move forward with Just Play Program and help our children.”
Emmie Sope also encourages all parents to help their children play football.
“A child’s parents have perhaps the greatest influence on their fun, progression and career in football. While the coach and possibly school PE teachers help to improve a player’s technique, it is the parent who has the biggest impact on the player’s attitude, ambition and desire.”
“It is not easy, but parents have a very important role in the development of the youth footballer. It’s important that the parent listens to the child’s needs and understands they are growing both physically and emotionally. The parent needs to be supportive by encouraging and not be critical or point out faults.”
“Above all a parent’s duty is to motivate and ensure their child has fun and enjoys playing football,” concluded Emmie Sope.