OFC moves forward with European visit. English FA to help kick-start OFC Indigenous coaching programme The Acting OFC president, Tautulu Roebeck, announced today he will be travelling to Europe for a series of meetings with top football officials next week with the objective of improving relations between Oceania and the global football community. He will be accompanied by the OFC honorary president and international ambassador for the game in Oceania, Mr Charles Dempsey, CBE, who will be travelling in an advisory role. A meeting has been organised in Zurich with UEFA (Europe) president, Lennart Johannson, as well as a follow up meeting with FIFA president, Joseph S. Blatter, where matters previously discussed at their initial meeting in Doha, Qatar last month, will be finalised. It will be Mr Roebeck’s second meeting with Mr Blatter since assuming the acting presidency in September. Mr Roebeck also announced that in an effort to bridge the existing gaps within the Oceania region, the OFC will commence its indigenous coaching programme in conjunction with the Football Association in England, with a workshop in Auckland from 2-12 December 2003. Two coaches from each of the nine member island nations have been invited to attend with the FA sending an expert coaching instructor to facilitate the workshop. The two best performed coaches will be sent to England to sit the UEFA B coaching license exam in 2004. All coaches attending the workshop will be followed through as part of the long-term assistance the FA will provide. Furthermore, Mr Roebeck reiterated his pledge to focus on youth development by announcing that a goalkeeper’s course would be held from 28-31 January 2004 in Auckland. OFC member countries have been invited to send their promising young goalkeepers, who will be eligible for the OFC U-20 Qualifiers in 2005. According to Mr Roebeck, it was imperative to commence these projects as soon as possible if real progress was going to happen. “There is much work to be done within a short timeframe and there are other projects planned also,” he said. He also highlighted the importance of the European visit as crucial to the interests of Oceania. “I am pleased to be accompanied by Mr Dempsey and hope to draw on his vast experience and knowledge.” Mr Dempsey said the visit was vital for the interests of the confederation and also to gain support for its qualification path for the 2006 FIFA World Cup which is to be decided in December. “We hope to gain support for our proposed pathway of the random draw between the four confederations with half berths, which we believe is the fairest option for all of the teams that will be involved and is in the spirit of fair play,” he explained. Mr Roebeck also added he would consult with the OFC Executive Committee on the possibility of forming a sub-committee to be responsible for international relations with the objective of improving the profile of OFC. This working group will carry out or act on whatever directives the OFC executive committee want to follow through. Crowdie