Capitalising on FFA’s collaboration with OFC’s social development program, Just Play, regional project managers were given interesting insights to FFA’s Games Development Department, which is sure to take the grassroots development program in the region to new heights.
According to Matthew Bulkeley, Head of Game Development, FFA is focused on providing a helping hand and is keen to assist OFC developing grassroots program in the region.
“We are committed to continue to support OFC in general and any support that we can provide in terms of advise or where we can, people on the ground to support the delivery of programs we will do that” he said.
The closely knitted Just Play family was also able to reflect on the impact of the program since it was first piloted in 2009 in the Pacific.
“I think they should be justifiably proud of what they’ve been able to achieve in a fairly short space of time” Bulkeley said.
Given the continuing success of the program, backed with a strong family spirited Just Play team, Bulkeley said that it is obvious that football has really taken off in the pacific.
“I think the fact that it is addressing some social needs within those countries is an absolute bonus as well” he added.
The trip to FFA in Sydney was a welcoming experience for the group but it also proved how much is still required from the project managers to develop grassroots strategies from Just Play right through to the elite level, as FFA has done so well.
The main emphasis now lies with the project managers as they return to their member associations to share valuable experiences with their technical teams as Just Play grows and evolves to become Just Perfect!