Chambaron spent a week in the French territory running a FIFA Grassroots Coaching Course and says the attention FTF paid to detail was a major factor in its success.
“The successful implementation of a Grassroots programme is dependent on the situation on the ground, an evaluation of the country data and an assessment of local needs. This work, which is carried out by FIFA in conjunction with FTF, is vital to the success,” Chambaron explains.
“The attention given to this course by the FTF authorities and the commitment shown by all participants confirms the importance assigned by Tahiti to the development of coaches and players at grassroots level within the scope of their 2020 project.”
Chambaron says the importance of the long term is probably the fundamental message he wants the 24 participants to have taken away from the course.
“Our patient, long term approach to developing players begins at the grassroots level.
Our goal is to provide an environment that is both age and ability appropriate, and where playing and learning is fun,” he says.
“FTF through Vision 2020 has made player development a priority.
“In order to make this Grassroots programme sustainable, we have decided to make our objectives SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timed,” Chambaron explains.
“All coaches will be monitored within their club environment, and more opportunities to play regular football activities should occur in the next weeks.”
Helping to promote the importance of long term planning and the Grassroots programme was Fédération Française de Football technical director François Blaquart.
Visiting the French territory to learn more about their programmes, in particular the successful futsal development programme, Blaquart was able to share his insights and expertise with the course participants.
“This was a phenomenal experience, one of the most striking things was just how open François Blaquart was about FFF methods and how it works,” Chambron shares.
“He explained the key points in terms of developing a Long Term Player Development Plan that sets the future direction. For him, effective planning needs to be a shared process that involves the full community.”
The session with Blaquart focused on four pillars that Chambaron says are essential to developing a successful long term programme – club development, competitions and small-sided football, education and social responsibility and talent identification and development.
The five-day course concluded with a FIFA Grassroots Festival on Saturday 8 November, and Chambaron says judging by the smiles on faces it can be deemed a success.
“Two hundred U-7 and U-8 children from 18 clubs took part and the event was a huge success. Coaches in attendance were smiling too as they led the young players through a variety of specially designed technical activities and small-sided games, including futsal and beach soccer.
The closing ceremony was completed in the presence of FIFA Development Manager Eva Pasquier, FIFA Development Officer Glenn Turner, OFC Techncial Director Patrick Jacquemet and FTF President Thierry Ariiotima.
The FIFA Grassroots Coaching Course was held from 3-7 November in Tahiti.
For more on Tahiti football go to www.ftf.pf