OFC Head of Education Didier Chambaron says the participants were well chosen and have proven themselves a credit to their Member Associations with their commitment and abilities.
“The participants identified have all been very good and each of them have shown great values,” Chambaron says.
“With the right people we have a greater opportunity to create good coaches.”
Having the right candidates involved has had a positive effect on how the 12 days of the course has played out.
“It’s been a positive learning environment with people sharing ideas which is an important part of the process,” Chambaron says.
The 12 days on the course flew past for UEFA Technical Instructor Flemming Serritslev, which he attributes to the fantastic environment.
“When you are enjoying yourself the time passes very quickly and the environment has been very good here.
“I believe the level of this course has absolutely been of a very high standard.”
While the past fortnight in Auckland has been an essential part of the A Licence, Chambaron points out it is only one step in the journey.
Between Part 1, which has just finished, and Part 2 each of the coaches must complete tasks in relation to their team as part of the process of advancing in the A Licence.
“Part 1 is just one step in the journey. It’s a long term process which we think is the best way to develop good coaches – it can’t be done well in two weeks – and the mentoring aspect is now key.
“Each coach now has one year to continue their personal development and Rob [Sherman] and I will work with them, organise club visits and individual meetings before Part 2 takes place next year.”
As someone who has been involved in the OFC Coach Education Pathway since its inception the A Licence has proven a major step forward for Tuka Tisam of the Cook Islands.
“It has been a big jump from the B Licence to this, especially in terms of the terminology and style,” Tisam says.
“Every coach here has their way, and you have your own, so it is interesting to discuss those ideas on top of the course content we are already learning.”
Meanwhile New Zealand Football special projects manager Steve Dillon says the course has will provide a benefit both to the individuals involved and New Zealand Football as an organisation.
“We’ve all gained further in-depth knowledge of the future direction of NZF coaching development and the professional coach model, but also helpful tips on the application of what we’ve learnt.
“The intention for everyone is that we’re developing a network of professional coaches and the high level content that we’ve gone over in the last 12 days will significantly help us in achieving that.”
Part 1 of the OFC/NZF A Licence was held at the Millennium Institute in Auckland, New Zealand from 30 November to 11 December 2015.