For Taelor, Michael, and Lavenia, football isn’t just a sport—it’s a calling rooted in community, culture, and purpose.

Earlier this month, the three joined a group of passionate Pasifika coaches and leaders at the New Zealand Football Pasifika Community Coach Developer Programme, a two-day course held in Auckland on 6–7 June 2025 as part of New Zealand Football’s Pasifika in Football programme, designed to grow the number of Pasifika community coaches in Aotearoa.

The programme is designed to empower Pasifika leaders to step into roles that will shape the future of football in Aotearoa. It’s about more than tactics and titles—it’s about connection, identity, and creating space for Pasifika voices at every level of the game.

“For Pasifika people, football is about family. When you bring a Pasifika player into a space, you bring their whole family with them. Understanding that changes how you lead,” said Taelor Parker, who coaches in Tāmaki Makaurau and works with the Tonga Football Association.

Michael Fifi’i, senior men’s coach at Matamata Swifts Football Club, found the experience powerful. “It’s about stepping into leadership, not just for ourselves, but for our people,” he said. “Being surrounded by other Pasifika coaches, hearing their stories, learning together. It creates a strong foundation for the future.”

One of the key features of the programme was the use of Talanoa—a Pasifika approach to dialogue that encourages mutual storytelling, listening, and trust-building. For Lavenia, who is involved in football development through as the manager of the OFC Just Play programme, Talanoa was more than a method—it was a reminder of what makes Pasifika leadership unique.

“When we Talanoa, we don’t just talk—we truly listen,” she said. “This course brought us together as equals. It gave us space to speak, to be heard, and to lift each other up.”

The course also tackled real-world challenges Pasifika leaders face in football and beyond—from cultural barriers and lack of representation, to the need for culturally grounded leadership pathways. Through case studies, guest speakers, and group reflections, participants left with more than inspiration—they left with tools and strategies to lead within their clubs, regions, and communities.

Michael reflected on the deeper meaning behind his involvement as a former national Solomon Islands player. “Representing our nation is a great honour, but it’s more than football. It’s about our families, our churches, our cultures. These are the values we bring to the game.”

As part of the programme, participants are also equipped to deliver leadership workshops in their own communities, helping to ensure the ripple effect continues across Aotearoa and the wider Pacific.

“It’s not just about creating opportunities for ourselves,” said Taelor, “It’s about building a pathway for the next generation—especially for Pasifika women in football. There’s so much untapped talent in our communities.”

This isn’t just a course, it’s a movement. And the future of Pasifika leadership in football has never looked brighter.

Watch the full video interview with Lavenia Yalovi, Taelor Parker and Michael Fifi’i: