It’s not just on the field players need to perform to their best at the OFC U-19 Women’s Championships in Fiji.
Off the field players from the 10 competing nations have taken part in Media Training sessions with the OFC Media and Communications team in Lautoka and Suva.
The interactive sessions have been aimed at making the players comfortable when they are being interviewed, giving them tips for different types of interview situations they could find themselves in, and encouraging them to tell their stories.
None of the players competing at the tournament had ever been interviewed before they arrived in Fiji. They were shown a short television interview of New Zealand rugby player Ruby Tui who is one of the most sought-after interview talents in sport due to her charisma, passion, and honesty.
OFC Media Manger Matt Brown then ran through a series of tips for being interviewed.
A key message for post match interviews was getting the players to imagine they were telling their ‘grandmother’ about the game, who hadn’t seen the match. The players were given a rundown on the sort of questions they would likely encounter before they took part in practice interviews themselves.
It quickly became apparent there are some tremendous personalities playing football throughout our Confederation.
Helping the players gain confidence to talk about their football journey, their hopes and aspirations, the barriers and hurdles they have overcome, will ensure they reach a wider audience, engage with more fans, and help grow the game in our region.
The Media Training sessions for teams are intended to become an integral part of OFC competitions moving forward.
SOURCE: OFC/PACNEWS
