OFC Pro League teams have been officially welcomed to the Victorian State Parliament as Melbourne prepares to host Round Three of the inaugural competition over the next two weeks.
Parliamentarians including Deputy Premier Ben Carroll and House Speaker Maree Edwards joined OFC Secretary General Franck Castillo, Football Australia Chair Anter Isaac, OFC Pro League Manager Stuart Larman, and representatives from OFC Pro League clubs South Melbourne FC, Vanuatu United FC, Tahiti United and South Island United for the special parliamentary reception.
Football Australia Chair Anter Isaac highlighted the enduring bond between Australia and Oceania football, despite Australia’s move to the Asian Football Confederation two decades ago.
“The OFC Pro League provides an incredible opportunity for Pacific players to showcase themselves at the highest level, not only on the field, but off the field,” Isaac said.
“It’s an opportunity for them to demonstrate their aspirations and ambitions, not only for football but for their nations. We’re proud that South Melbourne, an Australian club, is participating in this competition.”
Isaac acknowledged South Melbourne’s historic contribution to football in the region.
“As South Melbourne will always remind us, they are the Oceania Club of the Century. That’s something they should be proud of, and we’re proud of it and I know the OFC are proud of it as well.”
He reaffirmed Football Australia’s commitment to supporting football development across Oceania.
“For Football Australia, we will always stand side-by-side, shoulder-to-shoulder with Oceania. We see it as our responsibility, and we proudly assume it, to assist not only in football development, but also in social cohesion and social development.”
Isaac also called on both federal and state governments to continue their support.
“I would ask not only the Australian Government but the Victorian Government to support the OFC and this competition, and South Melbourne as well. They are investing heavily, and it’s not just about football for them. It’s about representing this city, this state and our country more broadly.”
OFC Secretary General Franck Castillo reflected on the eight-year journey to bring the OFC Professional League to life.
“To establish professional football in the region, you need resilience and significant resources. It took us eight years to build this project,” Castillo said.
“This is like a dream coming true. It’s about creating an environment where dreams can become reality, for children involved in football, for referees, for coaches. We are building an ecosystem that will leave a real legacy.”
Castillo also emphasised the pathway opportunities the league will create for Pacific players.
“We want to see players from the Pacific joining Australian clubs in the A-League. That would be amazing. We are working closely with Football Australia to create pathways for players who develop their abilities in the Pacific to progress into the A-League.”
Round Three of the inaugural OFC Pro League marks another significant milestone in the growth of professional football across Oceania and reinforces Melbourne’s role as a key host city in the competition’s historic first season.
Photo Credit: South Melbourne FC media