Oceania Football Confederation president Reynald Temarii and FA Chairman, Geoffrey Thompson, have signed an agreement that will see the English FA provide technical assistance for the development of football in the OFC.

The first member associations to benefit from the agreement will be the Fiji Football Association and the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF).

Fiji Football Association President Dr. M.S. Sahu Khan and SIFF President Martin Alufuhri were delighted with the initiative that will see The FA provide specialised training courses in elite player development, referee development, youth development and women's and girl's football development.

OFC General Secretary, Tai Nicholas, said the agreement fit with "the OFC vision" that aims to build the Pacific Community using football as a development tool.

"Getting good results on the football pitch is important but so is looking after the community that comprises the OFC football family. This agreement with The FA was made in the spirit of that ideal and we are confident it will be a success."

The FA will also provide Annual Mentor Training specialising in Coach and Player Development for up to 25 potential tutors.

The co-operation agreement between The FA and OFC will provide on-line resources and distance learning for member associations and provide technical resources for youth development, Community football programmes and assistance for the development of women's football.

At present, FA Referee Development Officer, John Baker, is in Auckland, New Zealand helping establish a referee education and training structure alongside the OFC Head of Technical Department, Jim Selby.