![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/OFC-U-15-girls-development.jpg\")
Photo credit: OFC Media.<\/p>\nNew Zealand is one of eight teams taking part in an Oceania tournament to help develop U-15 girls across the region.<\/p>\n
The OFC U-15 Girls Youth Development tournament is taking place at Fiji\u2019s Churchill Park from May 4-12, 2026.<\/p>\n
Hosted in Lautoka, the tournament has two groups of four teams:<\/p>\n
Group A<\/p>\n
Samoa
\nTonga
\nSolomon Islands
\nTahiti<\/p>\n
Group B<\/p>\n
New Zealand
\nNew Caledonia
\nFiji
\nCook Islands<\/p>\n
Now in its third year, the OFC U-15 Development Tournament plays a key role in shaping the future of football across the region.<\/p>\n
Delivered in collaboration with UEFA through the UEFA Together programme, the initiative focuses on providing a safe, supportive environment where young players, coaches, referees and administrators can experience the demands of international football.<\/p>\n
This tournament represents the first taste of international competition and even international travel for many participants.<\/p>\n
In Oceania, players often make their debut on the global stage at the U-16 level, with FIFA Women\u2019s World Cup qualification pathways already on the line.<\/p>\n
OFC say the U-15 development event helps bridge that gap, equipping young athletes with the tools and experience needed before stepping into higher-stakes environments without the pressure of focusing on the results of the game.<\/p>\n
Each match consists of three 25-minute thirds, with a 7-minute interval between each period.
\nIf the scores are level at the end of normal time, no extra time will be played.
\nAt the end of each match, a penalty shootout will take place regardless of the score.
\nEach team will take five penalty kicks, with a sudden-death format used if the scores remain equal.<\/p>\n
Photo credit: OFC Media.<\/p>\n
Off the pitch, there is also a focus on the development of players and staff.<\/p>\n
Education sessions will be led by strength and conditioning coach Maha Shankar, focusing on key topics such as physical preparation, recovery, and the relationship between menstruation and performance, offering players valuable insight into caring for their bodies both on and off the field.<\/p>\n
Adding further inspiration, two Football Ferns will attend as ambassadors.<\/p>\n
Kelli Brown and Anna Leat, who both play for women\u2019s A-League club Newcastle Jets, will spend time with each team, sharing their journeys and offering a glimpse into the opportunities football can provide.<\/p>\n
Their presence builds on previous editions, in which experienced players such as former New Zealand international Kirsty Yallop, and current Football Ferns Grace Jale and Mackenzie Barry, engaged with players as tournament ambassadors.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe impact of these role models helps young players visualise pathways in football both on and off the pitch,\u201d OFC say.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot only is this a development tournament for players, it\u2019s also an opportunity for young referees to have their first experience of officiating international matches to prepare them for further OFC competitions.\u201d<\/p>\n
A referee observer will also be appointed to supervise the match officials and conduct post-match analysis meetings to help their development.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile matches will be played and skills tested, the true success of the tournament lies in development.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis provides opportunities where players are experiencing tournament structures and travel, as well as giving coaches and referees the opportunity to grow in an international setting.\u201d<\/p>\n
This story was first published on May 5, 2026.<\/p>\n