Just Play football established on Atiu

The grassroots football programme Just Play got underway on Atiu recently when project manager Michelle Paiti from Cook Islands Football delivered a training course for facilitators on the outer island.

This is phase four of the social development grassroots football programme aimed at six to 13 year old boys and girls focusing on participation and fun.

Eight community leaders and teachers attended the two-day course at the Enuamanu School Hall and field where they took part in both theory and practical sessions.

During day two almost 70 boys and girls took the opportunity to assist the facilitators in practising delivery of their sessions.

The field lit up with happy active children as they took part in the afternoon’s activities while many parents watched on.

At the end of the course, facilitators were presented with certificates as well as Just Play Kits full of equipment and resources to assist them in delivering the programme.

As an extra incentive to get the kids outside and active – hula hoops were also presented to the school.

The new facilitators will have the ongoing support of the Just Play Team as well as the assistance from a local person who has been identified to help with the programme on Atiu.

CIFA thanks the Australian Government (AusAid), UEFA and Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) for their continued support and funding of this fantastic programme.