Ibrom Unearthing the Future Stars of Cook Islands Football

The Cook Islands Football Association (CIFA) recently organized and executed two separate talent identification camps, which saw the participation of over ninety young, enthusiastic footballers from various locations. The camp took place over a span of seven days and featured eleven talented players from Aitutaki and one from Australia.

The Academy Program is part of the FIFA Talent Development Scheme where the scheme has emerged as a powerful tool focused on developing young, talented football players. With sports academies playing an essential role in nurturing potential stars.

In the first part of the camp, thirty six U15 boys from Rarotonga, Aitutaki and Australia engaged in a five-day comprehensive program. This program aimed at testing the physical prowess of these budding footballers while also focusing on enhancing their technical and tactical abilities through morning and afternoon sessions.

The U15 boys’ program was overseen by Academy Director Jess Ibrom and U15 Boys’ Head Coach Ngatupuna Manuela, who were diligently assisted by fellow coaches Grover Harmon and George Ellis. The CIFA Technical team members Tupou Brogan and Daniel Taokia were also instrumental in nurturing these promising talents and honing their technical strategies.

Apart from providing intensive training to participants, the camp enabled CIFA National Academy Staff to gain a firsthand assessment of these young players. Showcasing their diverse talents during the camp increases their likelihood of being selected for upcoming football tournaments throughout the Oceania Region.

Academy Director Jess Ibrom emphasized how crucial it is to bring these players into preparatory programs as early as possible before participating in OFC tournaments or embarking on their individual footballing journeys. “This will enable us to be more competitive and better prepared,” said Ibrom.

Following the successful U15 Boys Camp, CIFA conducted a U13 Talent Identification Camp for both boys and girls. The camp was led by Jess Ibrom with the assistance of Mii Savage, Tiraa Arere Jnr, Daniel Taokia, and Ingrid Kelly. The two-day event was instrumental in identifying promising young footballers to be part of the CIFA U13 Academy.

The camp drew 57 enthusiastic participants from Rarotonga and Aitutaki. Their inclusion in the camp resulted from talent-spotting efforts during Rarotonga Football Season grassroots and U15 matches held which is currently in play. Jess Ibrom also visited Aitutaki in September to identify talented footballers, eventually selecting five participants from the region who traveled to Rarotonga for the camp.

Out of 60 invites sent to parents requesting permission for their child to participate in the U13 academy, 57 children attended the event at the CIFA complex – an impressive turnout illustrating football’s growing popularity in the Cook Islands.

The U13 academy will reconvene in November and split participants into male and female groups. Each team will undergo fortnightly training sessions aimed at enhancing their skills, techniques, and personal growth strategies. These sessions will equip young footballers with foundational knowledge and skills needed for their careers while also fostering a passion for the game.

CIFA is currently preparing to send out over forty invitations for the U18 Men’s Academy. Identifying young talent is crucial for developing football. The young men who will receive the invitations are a collective from Rarotonga clubs and possibly Aitutaki. Confirmation for international invitations is yet to be decided.

By hosting Talent Identification Camps, CIFA has taken a vital step towards developing top-notch football players representing Cook Islands football on regional and international stages. Through continued training camps, academies, and support programs like these, CIFA is determined to nurture young talents and build a solid foundation for a bright future in Cook Islands’ football landscape. By setting up a strong foundation at an early stage, these players are undoubtedly set to become valuable assets for Cook Islands football and potentially for clubs worldwide.