Football’s power to transform communities and the lives of individuals is taking centre stage in Nadi, Fiji this week, with the OFC Social Responsibility Forum 2025 underway.

The forum, which runs until Friday and is made possible with the support of partners Team Up and UEFA Foundation for Children, has several aims, explained OFC Head of Social Responsibility Dr Teeny Aiken.

“Over the week we want to recognise and celebrate the social impact of football,” she said.

“Another key aspect of this Forum is to facilitate our Social Responsibility leaders to connect, exchange knowledge, and share resources.

“Also built into the programme are opportunities for participants to explore personal and professional development to support their wellbeing and goals, and careers in social impact,” Aiken concluded.

Participants began the opening day by discussing what it means to embed social responsibility into football, before panel sessions focused on two of OFC’s The Power of Football strategy pillars.

The first panel explored an Inclusive Oceania and how this pillar comes to life within the member associations. Maria Rufina presented on Solomon Islands Football Federation’s 2024 Women’s Football Symposium, gender inclusion and ending violence against women in Solomon Islands, Lafaele Moala spoke about his work in disability inclusion in Tonga, while Hussain Hanif discussed how New Zealand Football is working to make the game more representative of New Zealand’s population. The panel discussion was followed by a group exercise in taking a holistic view on planning inclusive football activities.

The afternoon session on a Flourishing Oceania drew on research into how the Just Play Programme has provided invaluable professional development opportunities and enhanced employability for staff and volunteers, and focused on how skill development and capability building benefit individuals and communities. The group activity saw participants draft personal development plans.

The remainder of the week will see further discussions and strategising on the other Power of Football pillars (a Resilient Oceania and a Healthy Oceania), safeguarding, and other sport for good topics, with expert input.

Oceania’s Social Responsibility leaders attending the forum are:

Christine Wamala Uru (Social Responsibility and Programme Manager – PNG Football Association); Maria Rufina (Social Responsibility Manager – Solomon Islands Football Federation); Marjorie Pouye (Social Responsibility Manager – Fédération Calédonienne de Football); Pele Taei (Social Responsibility Programme Manager – Football Samoa); Lafaele Moala (Social Responsibility Manager – Tonga Football Association); Lailai Ng Tak Fai (Women’s Development Officer – Kiribati Football Federation); Hussain Hanif (Diversity and Inclusion Manager – New Zealand Football); Teretia Teinaki (Football Development Officer – Cook Islands Football Association); Eriati Reebo (President – Kiribati Football Federation).

OFC staff in attendance are:

Dr. Teeny Aiken (Head of Social Responsibility – OFC); Palu Uhatahi Tuamoheloa (Safeguarding and Wellbeing Manager – OFC); Lavenia Yalovi (Just Play Programme Manager – OFC); Michelle Paiti (Just Play Regional Officer – OFC); and Matelita Vuakoso (Women’s Football Programme Officer (This Is How We Football) – OFC), Ella Reilly (Media and Communications Officer – Social Responsibility).

Photo credit: OFC Media