Six Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Member Associations and one Associate Member came together in Ba, Fiji earlier this month alongside OFC Football Development and Social Responsibility staff to explore the findings of the Just Play Review and begin shaping the next phase of the programme’s transition.
Over three days, participants engaged in facilitated discussions, group reflection and peer learning, testing the review findings against their own experiences while identifying what the future of Just Play will look like in practice.
Just Play is a Football for Good programme, using football as a tool to promote learning through play. Through fun, safe and inclusive football experiences, it delivers important messages around health, gender equality, social inclusion, safeguarding and physical activity.
OFC Just Play Manager Lavenia Yalovi believes the programme’s success lies in its ability to reflect the communities it serves.
“One of the programme’s greatest strengths is its ability to adapt to each country’s unique context. Local cultures and traditions are woven into advocacy campaigns, while community festivals at the end of each curriculum cycle create positive, inclusive environments that families proudly support.”
The workshop gave Member Associations the opportunity to validate the review findings through local perspectives while openly discussing the opportunities and challenges of transition, including organisational change and long-term sustainability.
Each association presented on its current reality, key challenges and future aspirations. While every context was different, there was a clear message that Just Play remains a trusted programme that creates meaningful outcomes for children, communities and football across Oceania.
For Associate Member Kiribati, the workshop was an opportunity to ensure its unique perspective was part of the conversation. Kiribati Islands Football Federations Football Development Manager Taberannang Tearawabwebwe said having a seat at the table was both important and meaningful.
“Being part of these discussions ensures that the voice of Kiribati is heard and considered when shaping the future of football development in Oceania,” Tearawabwebwe said.
The value of learning from neighbouring Member Associations was another key takeaway.
“Each country operates within a different context, yet many share common challenges. Learning from the successes, innovations and lessons of others provided valuable insights that can help strengthen programme implementation in Kiribati.”
That collaborative spirit was echoed by Yalovi, who said peer-to-peer learning is especially powerful across Oceania.
“Sport provides a safe and enjoyable environment where young people can build confidence, develop life skills and learn from one another. The sense of community on the football field reflects the way Pacific communities support each other off the field.”
The impact of Just Play is particularly evident in the Solomon Islands, where Just Play Manager Maria Rufina said the programme reaches communities with limited opportunities for structured youth activities.
“It uses football as a tool to promote life skills, gender equality, social inclusion, non-communicable disease prevention and emergency preparedness, reaching children in remote and underserved communities where other interventions are scarce.”
For Kiribati, the programme’s future is equally promising. Tearawabwebwe said the transition towards greater Member Association ownership presents an opportunity to strengthen local leadership and further integrate Just Play into KIFF’s football development strategy, supporting inclusion, safeguarding, girls’ participation and stronger pathways for young people.
Looking ahead, Yalovi said the commitment shown throughout the workshop gives her confidence in the programme’s future.
“Together, our Member Associations, partners and stakeholders have made Just Play a lasting success, and together we will continue using football to create healthier, more inclusive and more resilient communities across the Pacific.”
Attendees: Maria Rufina Rarawa (Solomon Islands), Pelenatete Taei (Samoa), Christine Uru Wamala (Papua New Guinea), Filomena Liku (Fiji), Loriane Rorona Kalsakau (Vanuatu), Lafaele Moala (Tonga), Taberannang Tearawabwebwe (Kiribati), Steven Upfold (OFC Head of Football Development), Christine Aiken (OFC Head of Social Responsibility), Tom Gamage (OFC Social Responsibility), Palu Uhatahi Tu’amoheloa (Social Responsibility), Lavenia Yalovi (OFC Just Play Manager), Michelle Paiti (OFC Just Play Officer).