The growth and development of football in the Cook Islands took another positive step forward with the recent Youth Coaching Certificate Course, hosted by the Cook Islands Football Association (CIFA) on Rarotonga.

The course was led by OFC player development officer Phill Parker, a familiar and respected figure within Cook Islands football, whose long-standing relationship with the region continues to benefit local players and coaches alike.

Parker was ably supported throughout the three-day course by CIFA technical director Matt Campbell, along with football development officer Teretia Teinaki and grassroots development officer Penina Katuke, who together ensured the programme was well delivered, engaging and relevant to the needs of local coaches.

Held over three evenings from 5pm to 7:30pm, the course attracted 13 passionate participants representing various local clubs across Rarotonga. These coaches came together with a shared desire to upskill, gain new perspectives, and better serve the next generation of Cook Islands footballers.

Throughout the course, Parker emphasised that the aim of the Youth Coaching Certificate Course was to strengthen and empower youth coaches in the Cook Islands by promoting a player-centred, ball-focused approach to football development.

Parker explained that this philosophy places the player — and specifically the player’s relationship with the ball — at the heart of every training session.

“By ensuring that young players build confidence and comfort with the ball early, we lay the foundation for lifelong skill, creativity, and enjoyment of the game,” said Parker. “This relationship with the ball is fundamental to nurturing players who can express themselves on the field and develop their own football identity.”

This approach shaped the design of the course content, which balanced theory with practical application. Coaches were guided through modern coaching principles, such as designing purposeful, age-appropriate sessions, setting clear learning objectives and maintaining an environment that encourages discovery and decision-making.

A major highlight of the course was the hands-on practical component, where participants were grouped and tasked with designing and delivering their own warm-up sessions. This provided a valuable opportunity for coaches to demonstrate creativity, teamwork and their understanding of the player-centred coaching model discussed in the theory sessions.

Beyond the technical and tactical content, the course fostered a sense of community and collective purpose among the participants. Coaches left not only with new knowledge but also with a stronger sense of responsibility for shaping the football experiences of young players across Rarotonga and beyond.

CIFA technical director Campbell, along with his team — Teinaki and Katuke — played a crucial role in ensuring the course was tailored to the local football environment, supporting Parker’s delivery and guiding participants throughout.

The success of the course reflects the broader vision of CIFA to raise coaching standards, create positive learning environments for youth players, and ensure the long-term development of football in the Cook Islands.

CIFA thanked Parker for making the time to return and share his expertise and passion for player development. His contribution — and that of the entire CIFA technical team — is an important investment in the future of Cook Islands football.

As these 13 newly certified coaches return to their clubs equipped with fresh ideas and a renewed sense of purpose, the ripple effect of this course will be felt across training grounds, school fields and competitions in the months and years to come — inspiring young footballers to develop not only their skills but also a lifelong love for the beautiful game.

• CIFA Media