Coach development in Oceania took a major step forward this month with the OFC Regional B-Licence course held in Wellington, New Zealand. The event brought together 18 aspiring coaches from across the Pacific from May 2nd to 8th.
This course provided a valuable opportunity for coaches to connect with others from different football and cultural backgrounds. One of the highlights was the strong presence of women, with 10 of the 18 participants being female — a sign of progress and inclusivity in Pacific football.
“It’s been incredibly inspiring to work with such a passionate and diverse group of coaches,” said Coach Educator Stephanie Spielmann.
“This course is not just about tactics and techniques. It’s about growing football knowledge and strengthening communities. Seeing 10 female coaches participating shows how far we’ve come in making the game more inclusive.”
The training focused on helping coaches develop and adapt coaching programmes to suit their local needs. Facilitator Andy Hedge praised the positive mindset of the group.
“The candidates showed great enthusiasm and a real willingness to learn,” Hedge said.
“The next challenge is for them to apply what they’ve learned in their own unique environments. Practical experience will be key before we meet again for part two.”
Among the participants was Courtney Napa from the Cook Islands. She shared her ambition to use the skills gained to improve performance back home.
“For me, it’s all about helping our men’s team perform and win,” Napa said.
“We want to reach the OFC Men’s Champions League, so we need high-quality coaching sessions. This course will help us fine-tune our processes and improve constantly.”
The course reflects OFC’s continued commitment to building strong coach educators across the Pacific, ensuring coaches are equipped to inspire and connect within their communities.
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