Six recipients from OFC Member Associations have been awarded the FIFA Guardians™ Safeguarding in Football Diploma in Zurich, Switzerland, marking the culmination of a two-year educational journey.
The two-day summit saw 123 nominated FIFA learners from 100 Member Associations presented with their diploma by FIFA Council Member and New Zealand Football President Dr Johanna Wood.
The cohort included members from six OFC Member Associations, who embarked on the journey in 2024: Football Federation American Samoa’s Tiffany Godient, Fiji Football Association’s Filomena Liku, New Zealand Football’s Hayden O’Donnell, Samoa Football’s Pelenatete Taei, Tonga Football Association’s Tevita Vea and Vanuatu Football Federation’s Yannick Jimmy.
“Receiving the diploma was a profound experience,” said Samoa Football’s Safeguarding and Just Play Manager, Pelenatete Taei.
“For me, the achievement isn’t just a personal milestone, it’s a commitment to the families and players of Samoa. It signifies that Samoa Football is operating at world class standards, where the safety and well-being of our youth are as important as the results on the pitch.”
Over the two-year period, the nominated FIFA learners completed 70 hours of online coursework across five modules, attended regular webinars, and took part in a residential week-long workshop.
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.
Taei, who joined Samoa Football in 2023, has played an integral part of the integration of safeguarding practices for the federation. Joining the two-year programme in 2024, Taei has worked tirelessly to ensure safeguarding is instilled in Samoa Football’s operations.
“The priority is the safety and well-being of each and every person included in football. It should be a priority for us. Having these professional foundations allows us to build a sustainable and secure environment for our next generations.”
Joining Taei in Zurich was Filomena Liku, Fiji Football Associations Safeguarding and Just Play Manager – who said the programme was an insightful look into safe practices in football.
“It was an eye-opener, especially for myself. It’s been a learning platform in terms of safeguarding, knowing the elements of safeguarding and how we can embed safeguarding in our MA’s.
“Being in this field and knowing the elements of safeguarding, I can say that it has built my knowledge and captivated me navigating through process. Knowing how I can improve the safe environment coming back into our country.”
Liku, who has served in football for over 15 years, said gaining the qualification will help her strengthen safe practices in the country and embraced the opportunity to collaborate.
“Safeguarding is a marathon, so a lot of improvement and capacity building in this area is the main thing for me. Being together with other cohorts, especially in the Oceania region simply tells you that you are not alone in this journey.”
Both recipients acknowledged the achievement and remain committed to promoting safeguarding practices throughout the region.
“I would like to acknowledge the Lord Almighty for giving me these opportunities. To the MA for trusting me to take up this diploma, and the trust they have given within my role as a safeguarding lead in the country. Their trainings, workshops and webinars that we go through helps us to keep stabilised in the area of safeguarding.” said Filomena Liku.
“For me, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. If it takes a village to raise a child, we also need their support to continue the safety and well-being of our child and the whole football community.” shared Pelenatete Taei.
“There is a Samoan proverb I want to end on ‘A malu i fale, e malu i fafo’ which means if you are respected at home, you will be safe and respected outside.”