Collaboration and Strategy Highlighted in Final Day Discussions

 Inspiring the Future of Women’s Football in Oceania

The concluding day of the OFC Women’s Football Conference 2024 in Wellington (Te Whanganui-a-Tara) shone a spotlight on elevating women’s football through storytelling, evaluation, and strategic growth. The conference provided a platform for key stakeholders to collaborate on the future of the women’s game in Oceania.

The This Is How We Football program took center stage, with interactive sessions led by technical consultant Matelita Vukaso and media and communications officer Ella Reilly. Attendees also engaged in a practical demonstration of the program, emphasizing its role in advancing women’s football across the Pacific.

 Empowering Women’s Football Through Visibility and Strategy

OFC media officer Ella Reilly highlighted the significance of storytelling in boosting the visibility of women’s football. Her presentation emphasized the need to share authentic narratives that inspire greater recognition and engagement for the sport.

OFC Head of Social Responsibility, Teeny Aiken, facilitated a session on monitoring and evaluation, equipping participants with tools to assess the impact of their initiatives and ensure sustained progress.

The day concluded with a practical demonstration on NZCIS’s indoor turf, showcasing the This Is How We Football programme in action, reaffirming its transformative potential for players and communities.

Reflecting on the Journey and Future of Women’s Football

New Zealand Football President and FIFA Council Member, Dr. Johanna Wood, closed the conference with reflections on the All In Strategy, the blueprint guiding women’s football development in Oceania.

Dr. Wood emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for women across the Pacific, citing recent milestones such as Fiji’s qualification for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and Samoa’s success in reaching the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

“The All In Strategy is about building an equal, visible, stronger, and inclusive Oceania,” she said. “While the progress may not yet be where we want it to be, the dial has moved, and it’s up to us to keep it moving.”

She called upon participants to maximize the collaborative networks fostered during the conference, urging them to stay motivated and proactive in achieving their shared vision.

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