The Fiji Football Association conducted a workshop dedicated to the identification and development of football talent. Led by Dave Wright, the High Performance Consultant for the Oceania Football Confederation, the workshop took place at Tanoa Waterfront yesterday.
Wright shared valuable insights on the topics discussed during the session, emphasizing the progress being made in nurturing football talent in Fiji. The primary focus of the workshop was talent development, aimed at assisting coaches of the men’s domestic teams in grasping the critical aspects necessary for fostering talent.
“We’re really focusing on talent development as the first theme. Key focus on understanding how the coaches of the men’s domestic teams can engage with talent development. All of the key considerations around it, and also the importance of how athletes transition from development to performance environment,” stated Wright.
The event equipped coaches with strategies and frameworks to facilitate the progression of young athletes from developmental phases to higher performance levels. Additionally, when asked to evaluate the Fiji Football Association’s efforts in talent identification and development, Wright noted positive progress.
“I think it’s moving in the right direction. It’s important to acknowledge that these coaches are starting to encourage and allow players at a younger age to be exposed to senior football, and that’s a critical part of any pathway,” Wright commented.
He underscored the importance of introducing younger players to more challenging competition at the appropriate time, as it promotes their growth. Wright also pointed out the support provided by the High Performance Education team through the National Academy, coach education, and resources aimed at enhancing the country’s football development initiatives.