The Australian-born technical expert, who has spent almost 30 years as a full-time coach or coach educator, joined OFC in 2006 as the confederation’s first full-time technical director along with wife Connie Selby who became head of women’s football. Connie left in 2008 to take up a position in the UAE as national women’s coach/head of women’s football development while Selby stayed on to continue his work in Oceania.
As technical director, he introduced key programmes such as ‘Just Play’ grassroots football which continues to be rolled out across the region with the support of the Australian Government who have contributed AUD$4 million towards the initiative over a three-year period.
Selby also created a Junior Framework Policy and the OFC Accreditation Scheme that set the benchmark in Oceania for coach and referee education.
He says that while he is proud of these achievements, the most rewarding aspect of the job has been the relationships established out in the field.
“I’ve developed some close friendships over the past four years and that’s the most important thing I’ll take away with me.”
Jim says that one of the key tenets of the OFC Technical Department has been to build a sustainable football development platform through improving the skills of local football people.
“I believe the game will only succeed in the Pacific if passionate local people are involved, rather than ex-pats coming in. To that end, OFC and FIFA combined to deliver “Train the Trainer” courses for member association instructors that provided capacity building opportunities for local coaches from the community level right through to the elite level.”
OFC President Reynald Temarii gave an official farewell at the FIFA/OFC Member Association seminar this week during which he applauded Jim Selby and said his work will leave a lasting legacy.
“Jim Selby was the first technical director to be employed by OFC and the first to introduce a comprehensive accreditation scheme. That initiative has been extremely successful with over 1000 coaches now accredited across the Pacific region,” said President Temarii.
“On behalf of OFC I would like to thank Jim for everything he has done for Oceania football and we wish him all the very best of luck with his future endeavours.”
OFC General Secretary Tai Nicholas echoed the President’s sentiments emphasising the impact Selby has had on lifting technical standards.
“Jim has worked tirelessly to improve standards of football across the region and up-skill local people involved in the game including players, referees, coaches, instructors, medical personnel and others. With a passionate and dedicated approach, Jim has impacted the lives of thousands of people and his work is sure to leave a lasting legacy in Oceania.”
Selby then thanked his colleagues and friends, wishing them every success in football and in life. He will finish at OFC at the end of December 2009 to join wife Connie in Abu Dhabi and evaluate future employment opportunities. He will also continue his long association with FIFA as a member of their Technical Study Group and as a FIFA Instructor.
Patrick Jacquemet, who currently works as the FIFA assistant development officer for Oceania, will be responsible for the future direction of the OFC Technical Department after Selby’s departure.