OFC kicked off the OFC Women’s Champions League in Solomon Islands last month, hosting a This Is How We Football Festival in Honiara that celebrated the growth and development of the women’s game across the Oceania region.
This year’s tournament marks the fourth time the competition has been held since its inception in 2023, as women’s football in the Pacific continues to grow from strength to strength.
The Festival – which was attended by over 100 girls aged 8-16 – brought together key stakeholders from the women’s game, including local schools and community groups, the Solomon Islands U-16 women’s national team, and three teams competing in this year’s OFC Women’s Champions League; Ba Women FC of Fiji, Papua New Guinea’s Hekari Women FC and host side Henderson Eels FC.
Ba Women FC captain Luisa Tamanitokula highlighted the importance of these festivals in giving young women an environment in which to develop.
“My advice for young players is to keep showing up to the academy, great things will come and there is always a space for everyone in football.”
As well as providing attendees with an opportunity to meet senior level footballers and national team players, it also highlighted vital themes and messaging to help inspire the next generation of women footballers in Oceania.Respect, decision making, safety and awareness were the key focus of the festival, allowing the young women with an opportunity to learn important life skills through the power and enjoyment of football, all in an inclusive and fun environment.
Not only did the event showcase the continued growth of women’s football in the Solomon Islands and across the Pacific region, it gave the young women the chance to experience first-hand how football goes beyond the game, helping personal development away from the sport – building their confidence, forging friendships and imprinting valuable life skills.
“The festival gave coaches, young women and girls, and the wider football community the opportunity to connect with elite footballers, including club players and national team representatives, who continue to inspire the next generation and showcase the possibilities within the women’s game.
“This Is How We Football provides a platform for young women and girls to come to the game, play the game, learn more about the game, love the game, and keep coming back to the game,” said Matelita Vuakoso, OFC Women’s Football Programme OfficerOFC were once again honoured to work closely alongside our friends at the Solomon Islands Football Federation, who took a lead role in event delivery and in ensuring that everyone in attendance enjoyed a positive and knowledgeable experience.
Whilst the OFC Women’s Champions League represents the pinnacle of the women’s game at the elite level, events such as the This Is How We Football Festival reinforce OFC’s commitment to further developing the sport for women across Oceania.
It provides women of all ages and backgrounds with the opportunity to experience the positive impact of football on and off the pitch and helps to leave a lasting legacy that transcends OFC competitions, impacting local communities across all Pacific nations.
Photo Credit: OFC Media via Kirk Corrie