Simione Tuvuki 
The Oceania Football Confederation has launched the “This Is How We Football” programme, aimed at empowering girls to play football in Fiji and the Pacific.
The programme is the first of its kind to be introduced in the 11 OFC countries.
Oceania Women’s Football Coordinator, Ema Evans says they would like to introduce football to girls between the ages of 13 and 18 who do not have access to the sport due to barriers that exist in the country and the region.
Evans says they would also like to teach social life skills through the programme.
“We also focus on four thematic areas; empowerment, leadership, health and safety to really try and break down the barriers that exist for teenage girls especially across the Pacific.”
Evans says these skills will transition into their school and work life in the future.
She acknowledges the support of parents and teachers in these communities, towards the empowerment of girls to play football.
Evans says each OFC country can host the programme in two to four communities, these can either be for schools or clubs in a community.
She says four of the 11 OFC countries are ready to deliver the programme; these include Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, and the Solomon Islands.
In Fiji, the programme has been launched in Nadogo Secondary School in Vanua Levu and Lautoka Central College in Viti Levu.
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