Today is World Mental Health Day, and Samoa Football is taking a stand for mental health awareness. The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) has launched the “Be a Support Player, Play for Mental Health” campaign, highlighting the importance of safeguarding in sports and football’s ability to heal and connect.
In 2025, OFC is prioritising the mental and physical well-being of all people involved in the game. They recognise that safeguarding and mental health are interconnected, aiming to create safe and inclusive environments for players, coaches, and officials.
Teeny Aiken, OFC’s Head of Social Responsibility, emphasises the commitment to ensure that every individual feels safe and respected within football, regardless of their involvement. This includes educational initiatives like the FIFA Guardians Safeguarding program, which has trained nearly 1,900 players and officials this year.
Samoa Football recently organised an impactful Safeguarding program on Tuesday, engaging a diverse group of stakeholders, including various ministries, sports organisations, and club members.
Just Play Manager Pelenatete Taei took the opportunity to elaborate on the significance of this initiative, emphasising the critical role safeguarding plays not only in sports but also in workplaces and communities at large.
The event served as a platform to raise awareness about protecting individuals, particularly the vulnerable, and fostering a safe and supportive environment for everyone involved in sports and beyond.
