The Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) has taken a bold stride forward in its commitment to becoming a high-performance organisation, with the OFC MA Services team delivering a dynamic three-day leadership and development workshop for SIFF’s senior management in Honiara last week.
The initiative, delivered under OFC’s strategy of Strengthening Leadership and High Performance, was facilitated by Chief Operations Officer Frédéric Guillemont and Head of MA Services Dudley Langelier. It built on a foundational session held earlier in the year. (READ MORE)
It’s a core component of a broader capacity-building journey that extends beyond next year.
Fifteen members of SIFF’s senior leadership team took part in the engaging and practical workshop, which blended group sessions with individual coaching. The programme focused on developing High Performance Leadership, strengthening high-performing teams, and equipping managers with the tools to plan effectively, delegate strategically, and lead with purpose.
“This workshop was not about theory, it was about transformation,” said Guillemont. “It challenged leaders to pause, reflect, and realign with purpose. That’s the foundation of high-performance leadership, and the spark that drives powerful, lasting culture.”
Langelier added, “The first day explored personal leadership and team dynamics. how leaders can inspire, empower, and grow their people. Day two offered hands-on tools to plan better, delegate more effectively, and hold more efficient meetings. The final day was dedicated to one-on-one coaching, helping each senior leader chart a practical, three-month roadmap to strengthen their leadership impact.”
That roadmap forms the foundation of a long-term development plan that includes the implementation of the OFC Football Management Certificate, Diploma, and Corporate Management Framework. SIFF is one of the first Member Associations in the region to roll out the full suite.
SIFF CEO Leonard Paia felt the workshop has been a real turning point for their Heads of Departments and Development Managers.
“This wasn’t just about sharpening our leadership and teamwork skills, it challenged us to reflect deeply on our own leadership practices, emotional intelligence, and the importance of trust as drivers of high performance. It pushed us to take ownership of our planning and accountability, and to recognise the role each of us plays in SIFF’s success. We’re already seeing the impact: greater clarity, stronger ownership, and a real shift towards collaboration. This isn’t just another training, it’s the beginning of a more professional, accountable culture at SIFF, one we’re building together and can be proud of for the future.”
The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with team members expressing a renewed sense of clarity, purpose, and motivation. They welcomed the opportunity for personal and professional growth.
OFC MA Services will return to Honiara in October to continue working alongside SIFF’s leadership team. It’s the beginning of a structured and sustainable capacity-building programme that aligns with OFC’s strategic goals to leave a legacy in football across education and capacity building, elevating football management across the Pacific.
“We’re not here for a quick fix,” said Langelier. “It’s about supporting SIFF in their journey to becoming a high-performance organisation, more strategic, more focused, and ultimately stronger, both on and off the field.”
The new OFC Football Management Certificate, that will be rolled out across the MAs from October will be a first of its kind in the region. A blended learning programme focusing on upskilling the staff of MAs through interactive face-to-face seminars and ten online modules focusing on key topics of football management such as Strategy and planning, competition management, finance and many more.