UEFA pride at Oceania prize

A social development programme run by the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) in partnership with UEFA, the Australian government and Football Federation Australia has won the Federation of the Year award at the 2013 Peace and Sport awards.

Having been involved since the birth of the project four years ago, European football's governing body UEFA was delighted – and extremely proud – to hear that the OFC had won the award, for its Just Play programme, which was presented to the OFC head of social responsibility and international relations Frank Castillo in Monaco. The prize rewards a national or international sports federation which has established a programme that contributes to the development of social integration and peace through sport.

Just Play was launched in 2009, and is geared towards children aged between 6 and 12 in primary schools and communities of the OFC's 11 member countries in the Pacific region. It is based around structured activity programmes focusing on education and social development. Equipment packs are distributed containing footballs, cones, bibs, activity manuals and other resources, and these give children the opportunity to play football at any time and in any situation.

The OFC and its member associations train volunteers and teachers, and Just Play certificates are handed out at the end of each course. The principal objective is to use football as a social development tool with a view to improving the lives of communities in the Pacific. The scheme is a fitting example of how football and government authorities can unite with communities and volunteers to produce something that is of massive benefit as a social force.

Just Play is based on four clear goals – prevention of non-communicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases; gender equality and the empowerment of women; access to primary education for all; and social integration of people with disabilities. The content of this sports programme was put together with great dedication by the OFC, in cooperation with UEFA's football education services unit and the Australian Sports Commission.

Just Play seeks to provide a memorable football experience. In partnership with UEFA, the OFC's technical department also created a Just Play Grassroots programme, aimed at establishing links between the social programme and football development.

"It's a big honour for Oceania," said Frank Castillo, "and it is wonderful recognition for all the Just Play managers in each country, the development officers, all the instructors and all 2,600 volunteers who have been trained to deliver the programme to 150,000 children.

"This was a team effort – I am happy for the OFC President David Chung who has supported Just Play, and our partners UEFA, the Government of Australia through AusAID and the Australian Sports Commission and Football Federation Australia."

Recently, the president of the English Football Association, HRH Prince William, visited the Solomon Islands. While there, he met children participating in the Just Play scheme and saw the purpose and success of the initiative for himself.

UEFA wishes to take the opportunity to congratulate the OFC, and in particular all participating volunteers and communities, on winning this prestigious award for its outstanding social programme.