Setting a benchmark for women’s football development in the Solomon Islands as OFC Women’s Football Consultant, Margaret Aka is here in Honiara for a weeklong visit – a timely opportunity to learn and collaborate in advancing women’s football at the national and regional level.
The former Papua New Guinea (PNG) International and one of the handful of women in the region with an accredited coaching OFC B License is here in Honiara for a week, purposely to oversee programs and help support the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) Women’s Development Department.
“My visit here is to support women’s football development in the Solomon Islands,” Aka told SIFF Media.
“Assisting in all its development programs that are running and I hope to share ideas and tips towards its development.
During her visit, she will also oversee the This Is How We Football (TIHWF) initiative, facilitating a coach refresher workshop for licensed coaches in women’s football, and a community coaching workshop this week.
“I understand there’s a national league competition for women – the Solrais Women’s Premier League (SWPL), and during my stay here I want to meet club coaches and team managers to share mutual ideas around establishing a women’s youth league in creating a pathway to the national level which is very important.
“Through these, it will definitely help the national teams and football in general moving forward.
Aka was a two-time the then South Pacific Games (SPG) Gold Medalist before taking part in the Just Play program where she found herself empowering aspiring players before taking up her coaching role.
“In football, it’s our business to see our teams performing well,” Aka said.
“Everybody’s responsibility to make sure our players train and are supported.
With her wealth of football experience in the region, she said that women in football have been trailblazing, where teams performed exceptionally compared to decades ago.
“It’s a significant step for women and girls in the region reaching a higher level of performance that is expected – and yes, together in the region our teams can tap into opportunities to reach the World Cup level.
“If you want to get to that level…it takes commitment, discipline on and off the pitch. It’s an individual responsibility. It’s not up to the coach to come and force you to do certain things. Some things you can do personally, some things you can depend on the coach. Otherwise, it’s a collective effort from you as a player, from the coaches and the people around you.”
Aka will be also working closely with the SIFF Technical Department.
-SIFF MEDIA
