Hui Kanaka Pōwāwae Signs 3-Year Partnership with Holland Football University

WAILUKU, MAUI – Investing in Talent Centers and Coaching Education – That is exactly what the Hawaiian Football Federation (“Hui Kanaka Pōwāwae”) did during the COVID-19 pandemic.  HKP put in their time, experience, and knowledge – full sail ahead.

With a forthright vision and mission to improve football within the Hawaiian Islands, HKP signed a 3-year partnership with Holland Football University.  The shared goal is to develop more qualified coaches who are educated and experienced in the international technical standards of the game.

MARY KOK-WILLEMSEN | OWNER, HOLLAND FOOTBALL UNIVERSITY:

“It is our pleasure to sign this partnership with passionate professionals like Ian Mork – who I’ve known for decades; and Vernon Kapua‘ala and his team – who invest fully in developing the best player pathways and serve ambitious coaches with Coaching Education and mentoring.  Every talent – the right opportunity.”

Kok-Willemsen will return to Hawai‘i annually; and will also partner with HKP and its Clubs to create unique opportunities for top players to spend time in Europe.  All of Holland Football University’s programs are tailormade, high-level accelerators with training, testing, and matches against (semi) professional teams in Holland and Germany.

IAN ANDREW MORK | TECHNICAL DIRECTOR, HUI KANAKA PŌWĀWAE:

“This is a special moment for the future of football [“soccer”] in Hawaiʻi.  As a former women’s professional coach and technical director, Mary’s specific expertise will provide our female players and coaches with a reference for the standards and demands at the highest levels in the women’s (international) game.  I can assure any motivated player or coach who has the opportunity to be led by Mary will be inspired to push themselves to a higher level.”

Kok-Willemsen recently became a member of FIFA’s Technical Leadership group – which involves working with Football Federations worldwide.  Some of the key areas she is focused on are Leadership, Coaching Education, and Player Development.

VERNON KAPUAʻALA | PRESIDENT & CEO, HUI KANAKA PŌWĀWAE:

“The timing could not be better to launch this partnership.  We are riding an extraordinary wave of momentum right now with Ke Kikowaena Lauaki (our Talent Centers) leading to our Showcase of Talents.  To have Mary – a professional who operates at the highest level of the game – join the Hui will help us maintain the surge we are currently experiencing.  Our vision has become hers.  This sense of shared destiny will undoubtedly be mutually and collectively beneficial through the growth of the game.”

ABOUT MARY KOK-WILLEMSEN | HOLLAND FOOTBALL UNIVERSITY

Holland Football University Owner, Mary Kok-Willemsen’s proven track record lies in Player and Coach Development. Dutch National Team stars, Sari van Veenendaal, Anouk Dekker, Shanice van der Sanden, credit Kok-Willemsen for their transition from amateur to professional; as do coaches who have since ascended to the highest coaching ranks. Kok-Willemsen’s ability to develop football professionals has drawn Prominent Clubs, Federations, and even FIFA, to garner her Technical Consultancy services.

Visit www.hollandfootballuniversity.com for more information on all of Holland Football University programming.