The future of football development in Oceania took another important step forward as 18 coach educators from across the Pacific gathered in Nouméa, New Caledonia, for a four-day OFC Coach Educator Course from 1–4 June 2026.

Delivered by OFC Education Consultant Andy Hedge alongside Marika Rodu, Lavenia Yalovi, Yvonnic Simon, Kamaliele Fitialeata, translator Benoit Milin, and Education and High Performance Administrator Tracy Cunnington, the course aimed to strengthen coach education across the region and increase the number and quality of qualified coach educators within OFC Member Associations.

Built around the philosophy that “better players require better coaches, and better coaches require better coach education,” the course combined classroom learning with practical delivery sessions. Participants explored effective ways to deliver both theory and practical modules, while also gaining a deeper understanding of themselves as educators and leaders.

For OFC Coach Educator Marika Rodu, the programme is a vital part of football’s continued growth across the Pacific.

“I’d like to see football grow in Oceania, considering the challenges Oceania has,” Rodu said.

“Coach education has evolved over the years and we know that better qualified coaches provide better players. We want to see coaches continue to evolve at every level of football, from grassroots through to the senior game.”

Rodu also highlighted the value of bringing coach educators together from across the region.

“This platform creates connections between participants from around Oceania. They can share challenges, exchange ideas and return home as better coaches and better coach educators.”

Throughout the course, participants were encouraged to plan and deliver coaching sessions before receiving constructive feedback from their peers and facilitators. The process helped educators refine their presentation skills and improve their ability to engage adult learners in their own football environments.

Among the participants was Samoa Football Federation’s Cecilia Tevita Ualesi, who said the course reinforced the importance of understanding both yourself and your players.

“One of the biggest learnings for me was understanding yourself. It is very important to know your values so that you can apply them across different areas of your life, whether that’s coaching or educating other coaches,” she said.

Ualesi also valued the opportunity to connect with coach educators from across the Pacific.

“We discovered we face many of the same challenges and could learn from each other as we work to improve the game back home.”

Cook Islands participant Susan Williams said the course provided confidence and clarity early in her coaching journey.

“Considering I’ve only begun my coaching journey a couple of months ago, this course has helped me so much, especially understanding the planning process,”

“It has to be detailed, but relevant and meaningful.”

One of Williams’ key takeaways was the importance of context in coaching and coach education.

“There can be so many processes and structures, but it depends on the context. Knowing and identifying the context helps shape what you’re learning and how you apply it.”

Williams also reflected on the personal growth she experienced during the week.

“I came here nervous, scared and with imposter syndrome. Now I’m leaving feeling like I was meant to be here and confident enough to go home and share my experience.”

Solomon Islands coach educator Arthur, who has spent nearly two decades coaching, the course offered a new perspective on developing coaches rather than players.

“After coaching for nearly 20 years, picking up this educator course has been really helpful,” he said.

“It brings me the knowledge that I’m not just coaching players, but helping to coach other coaches.”

Arthur said the course helped him better understand the balance between theory and practical delivery and how to apply those lessons within his own Member Association.

A particular highlight for him was the collaborative nature of the programme.

“The group work was really enjoyable. We shared ideas, asked questions, had some fun and learned a lot from each other over the four days.”

As participants return to their home countries, the knowledge, confidence and connections gained in Nouméa will help strengthen coach development pathways across Oceania to better coaches, better players and build a stronger future for football throughout the region.

Attendees: Susan Williams (Cook Islands), Taranivao Tekeu (Cook Islands), Sione Mau (American Samoa), Roneel Avnith Ram (Fiji), Meli Yasawa (Fiji), Faapopo I’amafana (Samoa), Cecilia Tevita Ualesi (Samoa), Arthur Barko (Solomon Is.), Chari Gejeni Hiro (Solomon Is.), Viliami Kafoimoana Fe’ao (Tonga), Tapukitea Fakasi’i’eiki (Tonga), Patrice Mandaoue (New Caledonia), Georges Watton (New Caledonia), Jean Claude Ihily (New Caledonia), Louis Waia (New Caledonia), Yvonnick Simon (New Caledonia), Kamaliélé Fitialeata (New Caledonia), Andrew Hedge (OFC), Tracy Cunnington (OFC), Lavenia Yalovi (OFC), Ratu Marika Rodu Tavanavanua (Fiji), Tinle Sherpa (OFC), Benoit Milin (Translator)