At just 18 years old, Rebecca Grace Tura is already making her mark in women’s football – not only as a player but as a coach, committed to creating opportunities for the next generation of girls in Solomon Islands.
A player with Frigates United FC, Rebecca first competed in the Solrais Women’s Premier League in 2024 as a 16-year-old. However, her football journey began long before that.
“My parents run the club, so as a child I was always at the football field. That’s where my passion and love for the game came from,” Rebecca said.
That passion has now led her beyond the pitch and into coaching through This Is How We Football (TIHWF), OFC’s programme designed to empower women and girls while creating safe, inclusive, and enjoyable football environments.
For Rebecca, the programme represents much more than learning how to coach.
“What I love most about TIHWF is that it focuses on empowering and nurturing women and girls like me to break barriers, become involved, and give back to the game while creating a safe environment where girls feel comfortable to play, perform, and compete.
“Becoming a coach and sharing what I’ve learned with young girls is important because we are empowered to make decisions and understand the opportunities we have to influence and make a difference in football.”
Rebecca hasn’t had to look too far to find inspiration when it comes to her coaching journey.
“I’ve seen how much impact coaches can have on their players. My coach – who is also my father – has been that role model for me, and one day I hope to be that person for someone else.”
The recent TIHWF Coach Education Workshop equipped Rebecca and fellow participants with practical tools to deliver engaging, player-centred sessions while promoting important life skills.
“The workshop was very helpful in educating us as women coaches on how to create a safe and supportive environment. It was interactive, engaging and exciting, and I especially valued learning how to incorporate important life messages into football sessions so young girls can develop both on and off the field.”
Rebecca was one of 17 participants who attended the two-day workshop in Honiara ahead of the OFC Women’s Champions League, with 15 women taking part.Participants included teachers, grassroots coaches, club representatives and Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) competition staff, reflecting the growing commitment to strengthening women’s football across not just Solomon Islands, but the Oceania region as a whole.
Among those attending was Papua New Guinea international Rumona Morris, currently playing for Naha FC in the Solomon Islands, who believes the programme will have a lasting impact both locally and across the Pacific.
“As an experienced player in the women’s game, I feel confident delivering TIHWF sessions with my current club. The training has given me new ideas, strengthened my knowledge and enhanced my coaching skills.
“While playing in Solomon Islands, I’m proud to support SIFF Women’s Football and help deliver sessions through my club. When I return to Papua New Guinea, I hope to continue the programme and contribute to women’s football activities back home.”
Grassroots coach Jerolyn Vili also praised the workshop’s practical approach.
“The training was highly practical, informative and engaging. The participants were inspired and are looking forward to working closely with more girls and women in our communities.” For Solomon Islands Football Federation Women’s Football Development Officer Priscilla Tariga, the workshop represents another important milestone in developing the local coaching network.
“Having 17 participants attend the training, including 15 women, was a fantastic outcome. Seeing the coaches develop their knowledge and practical coaching skills over the two days has given me great confidence to continue leading and delivering the programme in Solomon Islands.
“The coaches are now better equipped to encourage more girls, empower one another, and create fun, safe and inclusive learning environments that will continue to grow women’s football in Honiara.”
As coaches like Rebecca begin delivering sessions in their clubs and communities, the impact of This Is How We Football will continue long after the workshop concludes – helping inspire more girls to play, more women to lead, and stronger football communities across Solomon Islands and beyond.
Photo Credit: OFC Media