Two of Samoa Football’s dedicated coaches have been selected to participate in the upcoming OFC Coach Educator Course in New Caledonia, marking a historic milestone for football development in Samoa.
Fofogafa Faaopopo Iamafana and Cecilia Tevita Ualesi will proudly represent Samoa at the regional course, which will run from Monday, 1st June to Thursday, 4th June 2026.
This will be the first time Samoa Football coaches — rather than technical staff — have been selected to attend the OFC Coach Educator programme, highlighting an important step forward in the development of coach education pathways within Samoa.
Faaopopo currently serves as the Head Coach of Vaipuna FC’s Premier Women’s team. He is also the Assistant Coach for the U16 boys team in Samoa Football, while Cecilia is the Head Coach of Lupe ole Soaga FC’s Premier Women’s and Under-19 Girls teams.
She also serves as Assistant Coach for the Samoa Under-15 Girls team that earned silver medals at the Under-15 Development Tournament in Fiji.
The OFC Coach Educator Course aims to provide coaches with advanced leadership, communication, and coaching education skills that can be implemented within their local football environments to further strengthen football development across the Pacific region.
Speaking ahead of the course, Faaopopo expressed his appreciation for the opportunity.
“Thank you to the Samoa Football Federation for the great opportunity for me to attend the Coach Educator Course to learn and gain more knowledge to implement in Samoa.”
Cecilia also shared her gratitude and excitement ahead of representing Samoa at the regional programme.
“It is a privilege and an honor to represent Samoa Football at the upcoming Coaches Educator Course. I am truly grateful to Samoa Football for this incredible opportunity. This is not just a personal milestone, but a proud chance to bring valuable knowledge back to our local sporting community.
“The ultimate goal is to return home equipped with the skills needed to help grow the game, empower our next generation of coaches, and support the development of our athletes in Samoa.
“Acknowledging my football club Lupe o le Soaga Soccer Club, Samoa Football, and everyone who has supported my coaching journey so far. Faafetai tele lava.”
Their participation reflects Samoa Football’s continued commitment to investing in local coaches and empowering more women to take leadership roles within football development.
Samoa Football wishes both coaches all the very best as they prepare to represent the country and continue inspiring the next generation of footballers and coaches across Samoa.
