Fiji FA Adopts OFC Mentoring Programme to Boost Leadership Skills

The Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA) has joined an elite group by becoming the second Member Association (MA) to benefit from the Oceania Football Confederation’s (OFC) Mentoring Programme. This groundbreaking initiative aims to develop skilled mentors to foster leadership and inclusivity within the football community.

 Building Mentorship Foundations with OFC Experts

A team of OFC educators, including John Ackerley, Andy Hedge, Mike De Bono, Margaret Aka, and Tracy Cunnington, led the programme for 17 Fiji FA employees. The course equipped participants with critical mentoring skills, embracing both theory and practical applications tailored to Fijian cultural values.

Key Participants: Amina Bi, Nazra Hussein, Sushil Singh, Dhirend Chand, Annette Nainima, Annabel Rao, Louisa Simmons, Aliza Hussein, Sunil Kumar, Gordan Johan Leewai, Arthur Simmons, Tagi Vonolagi, Roneel Ram, Marika Rodu, Jerry Sam, Sanaila Waganicakau, and Yogendra Dutt.

 A Cultural and Adaptive Approach to Mentoring

Participants explored five core topics over the course:

• Yourself as a mentor
• Your mentoring philosophy
• What is mentoring
• Mentoring models and approaches
• Mentoring skills and techniques

“The course is delivered in an interactive way that models a mentoring approach,” explained John Ackerley, OFC lead educator. By integrating cultural sensitivity and practical methodologies, the programme fostered a supportive environment that encouraged open learning and collaboration.

For Fijian FA’s Head of Women’s Development, Louisa Simmons, the inclusive atmosphere was transformative. “I didn’t feel inferior despite being one of the youngest participants. The instructors created a space where we could freely share experiences and knowledge,” she said.

Addressing Challenges and Celebrating Traditions

Participants tackled complex issues such as prejudices against women in football using innovative techniques like the “fish bowl” method. This collaborative strategy allowed participants to identify actionable solutions to societal challenges.

The course also honored Fijian traditions by incorporating daily prayers and fostering mutual respect. “The way the educators engaged us made the environment welcoming and less intimidating from day one,” added Simmons.

A Vision for Regional Development

The OFC Mentoring Programme’s success in Fiji follows its debut with New Zealand Football in 2023. Plans are underway to expand the initiative to more MAs across Oceania, aiming to upskill the football workforce region-wide.

“This programme has enriched me as a mentor and helped me better understand myself,” said Sunil Kumar, Fiji FA’s Head of Talent Development. “The friendly environment allowed us to openly share thoughts and grow together.”

The Road Ahead for OFC and Fiji FA

The ultimate goal of the programme is to ensure every MA in Oceania develops strong mentoring frameworks to support their football communities. “We want to create a ripple effect that strengthens leadership across the region,” said Ackerley.

By embracing this initiative, Fiji FA takes a pivotal step towards empowering its workforce and shaping a brighter future for football in Oceania.