The Fiji Football Association recently organized a workshop dedicated to talent identification and development. The event, held at Tanoa Waterfront, was led by Dave Wright, the High Performance Consultant for the Oceania Football Confederation.
Wright discussed the key themes addressed during the workshop, highlighting the advancements being made in nurturing football talent in Fiji. He emphasized that the primary focus of the workshop was talent development, aimed at helping coaches of men’s domestic teams grasp the vital aspects of nurturing young athletes.
“We’re concentrating on talent development as our main theme. It’s crucial for the coaches to engage effectively with this process,” Wright stated. He elaborated on the significance of facilitating a smooth transition for athletes from developmental settings to more competitive environments.
The workshop offered coaches practical strategies and frameworks designed to assist young athletes in progressing through various developmental stages to reach higher levels of performance.
When asked to evaluate the Fiji Football Association’s efforts in talent identification and development, Wright noted that the country is making commendable progress. “It’s moving in the right direction,” he commented. Wright pointed out that coaches are increasingly encouraging young players to participate in senior football, which he considers a critical component of their development pathway.
He stressed the importance of introducing younger players to more challenging competition when they are appropriately prepared, as this can significantly accelerate their growth. Additionally, he recognized the High Performance Education team’s contribution to the country’s football development efforts, including support through the National Academy, coach education, and various resources.