Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA), in collaboration with the Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB), will host a weeklong grassroots coaching course aimed at advancing women’s football development in Fiji.
Fiji FA Technical Director Timo Jankowski highlighted the significance of this initiative, emphasizing the valuable opportunity for local coaches to learn from KNVB’s renowned coach education programs.
“KNVB is recognized globally for their high-level coach education and having them involved marks a significant step forward in developing football in Fiji,” Jankowski remarked.
The course is designed to enhance coaching skills, promote participation, and foster overall growth at the grassroots level. “These collaborations have a lasting impact by providing coaches with the knowledge and tools to nurture young talent, ultimately strengthening the foundation of women’s football in the country,” Jankowski added.
The primary goal of the course is to train 33 coaches, specifically focusing on training young girls at the grassroots level to ensure sustainable growth for the women’s game in Fiji.
“This is part of Fiji FA’s long-term strategy to develop women’s football with equal emphasis and support as the men’s game,” Jankowski explained.
“Fiji FA is committed to creating a balanced, sustainable pathway for women’s football, ensuring equal opportunities, and raising the profile of the sport in the country.
He confirmed that in addition to the 31 Fijian coaches, who come from diverse backgrounds such as primary school teachers, players, and female district coaches, the course will also include two participants from Tuvalu.
“This inclusion underscores the friendship and cooperation between Fiji FA and other Member Associations (MAs) in Oceania, further strengthening regional ties.
Following the historic qualification of the Digicel Fiji Young Kulas to the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia, Fiji FA is investing in younger age groups to lay a solid foundation for the future. “By focusing on grassroots development, we’re ensuring that young female players are nurtured from an early age, creating a pipeline for future national teams,” Jankowski said.
On the final day of the course will be a girls’ football festival with over 100 participants, giving the coaches a chance to put their newly acquired skills into practice. “This event provides hands-on experience in nurturing young talent and inspiring the next generation of Kulas,” Jankowski added.
The course will officially be opened by the KNVB General Secretary, representatives from the Dutch Embassy, and Fiji FA’s President and CEO, further highlighting the importance of the initiative. The course will run from Monday, October 7, to Friday, October 11, at the Fiji FA Academy in Ba.
