Participants to make football ‘much safer’

Twenty (20) participants from the Southern Zone successfully completed a one-day Fiji Football Association Safeguarding Workshop at the Fiji FA headquarters in Vatuwaqa, Suva, on Tuesday.

According to Fiji FA, the workshop aimed to strengthen safeguarding awareness, enhance child protection measures, and ensure all individuals involved in football are equipped to create safe and supportive environments for players of all ages.

Fiji FA chief executive officer Mohammed Yusuf emphasised the importance of safeguarding as a fundamental responsibility throughout the football community.

“Safeguarding is not just a policy; it is a shared obligation,” Yusuf said.

“Everyone involved in football—whether on or off the field—has a duty to protect our young players.

“The workshop ensures our participants are well-prepared to recognise concerns, respond effectively, and uphold welfare standards.”

Course coordinator Filomena Liku said the participants were highly engaged during the sessions, which covered key safeguarding concepts, case studies, and Fiji FA’s reporting protocols.

“Our goal is to build confidence and awareness so participants know exactly what steps to take when a safeguarding concern arises,” Liku explained.