The five-day course focuses on coaching children aged 6-12, with the participants goal to learn how to effectively coach different age groups to develop grassroots football in Samoa.
Football Federation Samoa technical development officer Martin Tamasese officially opened the course, encouraging the coaches to invest the required time and effort into enhancing their skills so that younger generations can benefit.
Instructor for FIFA Simon Toselli, also an OFC coach-mentor, compared the course to, “building the foundations of a house”, urging coaches to concentrate on player development at a grassroots level.
“This is in order for our kids to do better in the future,” Toselli explains.
FIFA made sure the strong base of 27 coaches and FFS staff were well equipped, providing them with Adidas apparel, field equipment and classroom tools to carry out the course.
Age appropriate football development was a key focus with coaches having to plan, implement and evaluate activities for various age levels.
Two practical training sessions a day allowed coaches to gain hands on experience and work on their delivery of activities for each age group.
“It is important that we create the best environment and opportunities for the kids to develop through training and competitions,” Toselli says.
“Grassroots is a key stage of development adn this course is a starting point for coaches to develop and support their players.”
The final session will include a Grassroots Festival combining all age groups, where coaches will focus more on the kids than their coaching skills to ensure there is optimal participating in a positive learning environment.
The FIFA Grassroots Coaching Course is being held from 22-26 September in Samoa at the J.S. Blatter Football Complex.
For more on Samoan football go to www.footballsamoa.ws