The Developing Mentors webinar series, run by the Oceania Football Confederation in conjunction with the English Football Association, wrapped its previous session three months ago, but the learning has continued ever since.
On Wednesday morning, participants once again gathered around their screens to connect with facilitators Les Howie and Steve Smithies, for their three-month follow-up.
First on the agenda was a group discussion to reflect on what the representatives from Tonga, Solomon Islands and Fiji have been doing since the last get-together.
Danny Fenner also joined the budding Pacific mentors to share his experience in football and as a coach mentor with the English FA.
In particular, Fenner shared about the Greenhouse Project which has helped to create opportunities for underprivileged youths in the United Kingdom.
“My role was to provide young people with the opportunity to access and participate in football,” Fenner shared.
“One of my main objectives was to help players to develop a sense of belonging and a sense of community.”
To assist the participants to think about their long term goals and objectives as a mentor, Fenner also shared his personal aim and vision for the next five to ten years.
VISION: To see young people and disadvantaged people being mentored and supported to gain employment in the sports industry.
AIM: Develop a programme to enhance young and socially disadvantaged peoples’ prospects in the sports industry and the general public.
Amy Westmarland joined the session from the Bahamas, where she is a PE teacher and Baha Juniors coach, sharing her experience and football journey.
“Communication; listening and hearing what players are saying is key,” Westmarland said.
The attendees have some time to consider the information shared during the hour-long session before they move into the new monthly series of webinar sessions in the new year.
In January they will focus on teaching and delivering in schools before moving onto girls development, youth empowerment and finally how youth workers uses football to engage.