The Fiji Football Association is gearing up to host a three-day Futsal Coaching Course scheduled for the 7th to 9th of next month at the Ba Academy Grounds. This initiative aims to enhance the technical and tactical abilities of district and school-level coaches nationwide. The course will be led by Fiji FA Coach Educator Yogendra Dutt and will feature significant contributions from National Futsal Head Coach José Gerardo, who will spearhead many practical training sessions.
Key focuses of the course include defensive and attacking strategies, set plays, goalkeeper training, and coaching techniques tailored for schools. Coach Gerardo expressed optimism regarding the initiative, stating, “I have a three-year plan to build a winning futsal team for Fiji. Courses like this are vital — when coaches grow, players grow, and the whole system benefits.”
With over 35 years of international coaching experience, Gerardo noted the raising standards within Fiji’s futsal community. “The standard of futsal in Fiji is improving. Teams are more organised and technically stronger,” he said, reflecting on the positive trajectory of the sport.
The course will culminate in a practical assessment on the closing day, and the Fiji FA is encouraging all district and school futsal coaches to participate. This effort is part of a broader movement to professionalize futsal in the country and fortify the foundation for a robust national program.
This upcoming coaching course coincides with various educational commitments made by the Fiji FA, which have included initiatives like the OFC Senior Futsal C-Licence course. Such programs are essential in fostering a dedicated coaching community and collectively improving the football landscape in Fiji, paving the way for a brighter future for the sport. The ongoing investment in coaching education signifies hope for the long-term development of futsal and football in the region.