South Island United hosted at Victorian Parliament in Melbourne

South Island United representatives were among four OFC Pro League teams that were officially welcomed to the Victorian State Parliament as Melbourne prepares to host Round Three of the inaugural competition over the next two weeks.

Head coach Rob Sherman and captain Christian Gray were hosted at a special parliamentary reception, along with representatives from South Melbourne, Vanuatu United and Tahiti United, where they were welcomed by Deputy Premier Ben Carroll and House Speaker Maree Edwards, as well as OFC Secretary General Franck Castillo, Football Australia Chair Anter Isaac, OFC Pro League Manager Stuart Larman.

South Island United coach Rob Sherman said it was a privilege to be hosted at Victorian Parliament, which was a wonderful part of the new competition.

“Through this competition, South Island United and the individuals involved find ourselves end up in some really fascinating places and meeting new interesting people, just like the Waitangi Day celebrations at the High Commission in Port Moresby a few weeks ago,” said the head coach.

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.”

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.”

OFC Secretary General Franck Castillo reflected on the eight-year journey to bring the OFC Professional League to life.

“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.

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