A cornerstone of OFC’s commitment to developing safeguarding capacity across the region is the FIFA Guardians Safeguarding in Sport Diploma. We take a closer look at how this programme is equipping safeguarding leaders across the Pacific. 

Since OFC Safeguarding and Wellbeing Manager, Palu Uhatahi Tu’amoheloa, became the first Pacific-based woman to complete the FIFA Guardians Safeguarding in Sport Diploma in 2023, more safeguarding leaders from across Oceania have been inspired to follow her lead. 

Current candidates in the programme include Filomena Liku (Fiji FA), Yannick Jimmy (Vanuatu FF), Pele Taei (Football Federation Samoa), Mathias Apo and Christine Wamala Uru (PNG FA), and Tevita Vea (Tonga FA). 

Over a two-year period, these ‘Nominated FIFA Learners’ complete around 70 hours of online coursework across five modules, attend regular webinars, and take part in a residential week-long workshop. Participants must be officially nominated as their Member Association’s lead Safeguarding Officer, with enrolment approved by FIFA. 

The diploma equips candidates with the tools to implement safeguarding frameworks, build effective policies and procedures, manage risk, and influence stakeholders to champion safe sporting environments. 

For Vanuatu Football Federation’s Yannick Jimmy, the programme has been transformational. 

“When I became the Player Welfare and Safeguarding Officer at Vanuatu Football Federation, this course helped me understand what safeguarding really means,” he says. 

“Learning alongside others from around the Pacific helps us align our approaches. With teams and players moving between countries, it’s critical we all share the same values, policies, and principles when it comes to safeguarding.” 

At the recent OFC Social Responsibility Annual Forum, Filomena Liku, Pele Taei and Christine Wamala Uru shared reflections on their learning journey, especially the impact of the in-person workshop in England earlier this year. 

For Pele Taei, Samoa Football’s Social Responsibility and Just Play Programme Manager, the experience has been deeply empowering. 

“This course has had a huge impact on my personal and professional growth, especially in building my confidence,” she said. 

“I now feel equipped to advocate for safeguarding within our clubs and communities, and I can confidently push for it to be prioritised by our management.” 

The programme fosters a strong support network across the Pacific, enabling participants to share best practices and collaborate for greater consistency in safeguarding standards. 

As of 2026, all teams participating in OFC competitions will be required to have a safeguarding welfare officer that has completed the FIFA Guardians Safeguarding Essentials Module, which is also one of the five modules for the FIFA Guardians Safeguarding in Sport Diploma. Anyone can access and complete this course online for free.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. If you see something, say something. If you have a safeguarding concern, please email [email protected]