His previous efforts saw the introduction of an international futsal invitational tournament, which saw sides from the neighbouring Asian Football Confederation attend the Oceania competition. On top of establishing a regular elite competition, Toohey also oversaw the first OFC Futsal Instructor Course in 2014.
With the elite level of futsal looking stable, Toohey is also pointing his attention towards development of both futsal and beach soccer with the 2015-2018 four-year cycle set to focus on the next generation of players, coaches and referees.
“We’re into a new four-year cycle and as always we get great support from FIFA, 2015 will see six Futsal Coaching courses in our region, along with four Futsal Refereeing courses,” he states.
“In some countries the focus will be returning coaches – those who have previously attended courses, while other countries will welcome a new wave of coaches beginning their journey in futsal.
“It is tremendous to see Papua New Guinea and Fiji return to the futsal programme for the first time in a few years, and in both countries their FIFA Futsal Coaching Course will be supplemented by new competitions at junior, youth and senior levels.”
Toohey says OFC has been encouraged to see the development, especially of futsal, that has occurred over the past four years.
“We now have some really good examples of taking a ‘long-term’ approach in our region. In New Zealand for example, there are around 18,000 players registered players. This activity is supported by 14 staff working in either in full or part-time futsal positions within the seven football federations, which is a quite incredible statistic.
“Tahiti have also shown the way with their vision, planning and commitment to futsal. With around 5000 players, futsal is now a major sport that causes a positive social impact at a number of levels in many communities in French Polynesia. Vanuatu as well, are going from strength to strength, and I would say we’re seeing a much closer relationship between the federation and the futsal community thanks to both the work of the staff and the effect of the recent FIFA and OFC coaching courses.
“So the focus for this cycle is sustaining the development of existing activities and continuing to support the excellent work of the member associations through planning, courses, competitions and equipment.
“Not necessarily just focusing on today’s elite players but making sure we helping to preparing the next generation of futsal and football players, because as we know, futsal also has an important role to play in football player development as well.”
In the realm of beach soccer, Toohey says that while the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Portugal is on the horizon, 2015 is a little quieter in Oceania, but with the opportunity to build the foundations of the game in a number of countries still being relished.
“2015 will see an OFC coaching course in Tonga in November, following on from the inaugural FIFA course last May. Tahiti have already made a great start for 2015 with a 16-team competition, from which the next Tiki Toa team will surely emerge. A FIFA Beach Soccer Coaching Course is also planned.
“Vanuatu too, have a number of tournaments planned this year following the FIFA Beach Soccer Coaching Course and the success of the national team at the Australian Beach Soccer Trophy in December 2014.”

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