In a landmark development for football in the Pacific Islands, Young Pioneer Tours, in partnership with Unchartered Football, Stingz, and Giordano, has sponsored the attendance of Eriati Reebo, Chairman of the Kiribati Island Football Federation, at the OFC Social Responsibility Forum. This marks the first time the nation of Kiribati has taken part in an official event held by the Oceania Football Confederation. The move is being hailed as a crucial step in the federation’s long-term goal of achieving full OFC membership and eventual admission to FIFA.
The project is the brainchild of long-time regional football advocate Coach Charlie Pomroy, with former Arsenal legend Perry Groves supporting as ambassador. The event is not just another regional football summit—it could mark the beginning of a new era for Kiribati’s involvement in the international game.
Who Are the OFC?
The Oceania Football Confederation, or OFC, is the governing body for football in the Pacific region. One of six continental confederations under FIFA, the OFC oversees football development, competition, and international representation for countries and territories throughout Oceania, including nations like New Zealand, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea.
For emerging football nations like Kiribati, OFC recognition is a crucial building block. Associate membership allows for limited interaction, but full membership opens the door to participation in official competitions, eligibility for FIFA development funding, and potential entry into the FIFA World Cup qualification process.
Kiribati is currently listed as an associate member of OFC and is not yet a member of FIFA. The long-term ambition of the Kiribati Island Football Federation is to change that. Attending OFC events is a vital part of proving that the country is ready to take its place on the international football stage.
What Is the OFC Social Responsibility Forum?
Held annually, the OFC Social Responsibility Forum is one of the most important gatherings in the region’s football calendar. It brings together member associations, non-profits, and development partners to discuss how football can be used as a vehicle for social change. Topics often include youth engagement, health, gender equality, climate resilience, and education.
For nations like Kiribati, the forum is about more than football. It’s about getting a seat at the table and demonstrating that the sport can contribute to national development goals. With Kiribati facing major challenges such as rising sea levels, limited infrastructure, and geographic isolation, football becomes a unifying tool for social cohesion and international visibility.
Eriati Reebo’s attendance at this forum is the first time the Kiribati Island Football Federation has taken part in any OFC event. It is expected to dramatically increase the federation’s exposure and credibility within the region.
The Role of Young Pioneer Tours
Young Pioneer Tours has long been involved in Kiribati through its adventure travel programs and regional engagement projects. As one of the few travel companies that regularly brings tourists to the country, YPT has built strong relationships with local communities. Their decision to sponsor KIFF’s involvement in the OFC forum reflects a deeper commitment to supporting long-term development in Kiribati, not just through tourism but also through sport.
“We’ve been working with Kiribati for years and have always believed in the country’s potential,” said Gareth Johnson of Young Pioneer Tours. “Supporting the Kiribati Island Football Federation is a natural extension of our work on the ground. This forum is a huge opportunity for them, and we’re proud to make it happen.”
KIFF Chairman Eriati Reebo added “Gaining OFC membership would be a huge opportunity for the people of Kiribati, so we are really grateful to Young Pioneer Tours and our other sponsors for their continued support”.
In addition to their work with Kiribati, Young Pioneer Tours also helped launch the Nauru Soccer Federation, another emerging football project in the Pacific. Through collaborations with partners like Unchartered Football, YPT is playing an increasingly important role in developing football infrastructure in non-FIFA nations across the region.
Kiribati’s Footballing Future
For the Kiribati Island Football Federation, this trip is far more than a symbolic gesture. It’s a strategic move toward building international recognition. Full OFC membership would allow Kiribati to compete in official tournaments, receive regional funding, and build the technical structures needed to grow the sport domestically.
FIFA membership remains the long-term dream. With high-profile support, increasing visibility, and projects like this one leading the way, that dream is no longer out of reach.
The attendance of Eriati Reebo at the OFC Social Responsibility Forum marks the beginning of a new chapter. Thanks to the sponsorship from Young Pioneer Tours and its partners, Kiribati is finally getting the attention it deserves—and beginning its journey toward joining the global football family.
If you’d like to help support football in Kiribati you can do so by purchasing one of their shirts from Stingz.
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