Rising Pacific Stars Shine in Auckland at 2025 OFC U-15 Boys Development Tournament

AUCKLAND, New Zealand (April 16, 2025) —
Some of the brightest young football prospects from across the Pacific have arrived in Auckland to take part in the 2025 OFC U-15 Boys Development Tournament, which officially kicks off today and runs through April 23.

Teams from the Cook Islands, Fiji, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Tahiti, Tonga, and Vanuatu will compete in a unique format that emphasizes player growth, teamwork, and personal development over competition and results.

Now in its third edition, the annual event—alternating each year between boys and girls—was created in partnership with UEFA Together. It offers aspiring players a chance to experience international football without the pressure of FIFA World Cup qualification.

“We are very excited to be offering this tournament for young players across the region,” said Owain Prosser, OFC Head of High Performance and Education. “For many, this may be the first time they’ve left their country, traveled with a team, and worn their national colors abroad.”

Prosser emphasized that the environment is intentionally designed to be safe, supportive, and development-driven, focusing as much on life experiences as it does on football.

“For some, this may simply be a memory that stays with them forever. For others, it could be the spark that prepares them for future elite competition,” he said.

Each match will be structured into three periods of 25 minutes, ending with a penalty shootout regardless of the result—underscoring the event’s focus on learning over winning. To maintain that developmental purpose, matches will not be broadcasted or scored publicly.

In addition to nurturing players, the tournament also serves as an international stage for developing coaches and young referees, providing them with real-time opportunities to apply their skills in a competitive setting.

Prosser also praised UEFA Together for their support in making the tournament possible.

“Thank you to UEFA Together for their continued partnership,” he said. “This collaboration not only strengthens development this year, but will inspire future generations to reach their full potential.”

The OFC U-15 Boys Development Tournament is a key initiative under OFC’s strategic goal to elevate the region’s representation and performance on the global stage.