Yassir Janif the project manager for the Fiji FA ‘Just Play’ programme says the Rewa district is the second one to have completed their first phase of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) designed project. #“We had our first football festival in the Suva district and it turned out to be a major success. Our team is anticipating a similar outcome this time around. Rewa is the second district to complete its first phase of the roll out programme,” he said. #The official programme for the football festival begins at 9am. Janif says various activities have been lined up for the kids. He urges the parents to come out and support this new initiative. #“It will be a fun filled day of activities for the children. There will be small sided games and fun activities for them to enjoy. The Suva festival was our first and we picked up few points which no doubt will make the second football festival better.#“I humbly request the parents to come out in numbers and support their kids. The ‘Just Play’ programme is not only about developing football players as it is a social development programme aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and for children of becoming responsible citizens of the country.”#What is Just Play?# Just Play’ is designed for children aged 6-12 and is based around structured activity programmes as well as the distribution of equipment packs containing balls, cones, bibs, activity manuals and other resources that enable children to play football at anytime and in any situation.# Volunteers and teachers, who are trained by OFC in cooperation with its member associations, provide tuition for students on how to develop games skills and lead healthier lives. #‘Just Play’ certificates and equipments bags are handed out at the at the end of each course. # The initiative is led by OFC Head of Social Responsibility Franck Castillo and Technical Coordinator Emmie Sope.# #Partners#The success of the ‘Just Play’ programme is based on key partnerships.#OFC is working closely with the Government of Australia – through its agencies the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) – and Football Federation Australia (FFA) to roll out the programme across the Pacific over a three-year period between 2009 and 2011. The Australian Government has shown its support to the project by contributing AU$4million. # Fiji FA MEDIA #
