OFC Reaffirms Commitment to Women’s Football Development in 2025

Driving Growth and Gender Equality in Oceania’s Football Landscape

As the world marks International Women’s Day, the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) reinforces its dedication to advancing women’s football and promoting gender equality through innovative programs and social responsibility initiatives set for 2025.

With a renewed focus on increasing participation and leadership opportunities for women and girls in football, OFC is expanding its flagship initiatives while introducing new development pathways. The ‘This Is How We Football’ campaign continues to inspire and engage communities, showcasing the rapid growth of women’s football in the region.

Breaking Barriers and Building Opportunities

Dr. Teeny Aiken, OFC Head of Social Responsibility, emphasized the crucial role of football in challenging gender-based stereotypes and fostering social change.

“Over the last few years, OFC and its Member Associations have made significant strides in creating a more inclusive football environment. Football is a powerful tool to break down barriers, prevent violence against women and girls, and empower young people to advocate for gender equality.”

By working collaboratively with its Member Associations and global partners, OFC is committed to eliminating obstacles and providing greater opportunities for women and girls in all aspects of the game.

Strengthening the Women’s Game Across All Levels

OFC’s strategy includes developing the women’s game from grassroots participation to elite competition. In 2025, the Confederation will launch dedicated coaching and referee development programs tailored for women, alongside leadership and governance initiatives designed to elevate female representation in football administration.

On the competitive front, tournaments such as the OFC Women’s Champions League and OFC Women’s Nations Cup will continue to offer a platform for top female footballers in the Pacific. These competitions will be further complemented by FIFA’s recent announcement of the FIFA Women’s Club World Cup and the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, providing Pacific players with the opportunity to showcase their talent on a global stage. Additionally, New Zealand will represent OFC at the inaugural FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup, scheduled for 21 November – 7 December 2025 in the Philippines.

“The commitment to women’s football in Oceania has never been stronger,” says Ashleigh Cox, OFC Women’s Football Manager.

“Through our strategic initiatives, we are not only fostering the growth of the game but also championing gender equality and empowerment across all our Member Associations.”

Football as a Catalyst for Social Change

Beyond the pitch, OFC’s social responsibility programs remain a cornerstone of its mission. With continued support from the UEFA Foundation for Children, the ‘This Is How We Football’ initiative will expand its impact, using football to create safe spaces for girls, promote female health, and instill confidence in young women across the Pacific.

OFC is also strengthening its efforts to break down barriers preventing women from entering sports leadership roles. Collaborating with local and international partners, the Confederation aims to create lasting structural changes that will empower future generations.

A Unified Effort for an Inclusive Future

As OFC continues to lead the charge in promoting women’s football, the organization encourages the wider football community to join in celebrating International Women’s Day by supporting these transformative initiatives. Through collective action, OFC believes in creating a more inclusive and equitable future for football in Oceania.