Oceania Deaf Football Development Program
Building a New Pathway for Deaf Football Across Oceania
The Deaf International Football Association is working to create new opportunities for Deaf and hard of hearing footballers throughout Oceania and the Pacific Islands.
The Oceania Deaf Football Development Program has been established to identify players, connect organisations and create a future pathway into international Deaf football.
Our long-term vision is to support the growth of Deaf football throughout the Pacific and work toward establishing an Oceania representative team.
Why This Program Matters
Across Oceania, many Deaf and hard of hearing people play football or futsal but have limited access to specialised coaching, development programs and representative opportunities.
Some Pacific nations may not currently have enough eligible players, funding or organisational capacity to establish a complete national Deaf football team.
By identifying players and connecting football associations, Deaf organisations, disability organisations, clubs and communities, DIFA aims to help build a sustainable regional pathway.
Our Vision
The vision of the Oceania Deaf Football Development Program is to:
- Identify Deaf and hard of hearing footballers throughout Oceania.
- Create opportunities for male and female players.
- Support football and futsal development.
- Develop coaches, referees, officials and volunteers.
- Strengthen relationships with football and Deaf organisations.
- Explore future identification and development camps.
- Work toward establishing an Oceania representative team.
- Create pathways into future DIFA international competitions.
DIFA is engaged in ongoing discussions with FIFA regarding the future development of international Deaf football. No formal partnership or agreement has yet been officially announced. The Oceania Deaf Football Development Program is currently being led by DIFA as part of its wider international development strategy.
The Road Toward the DIFA World Deaf Football Cup Australia 2027
DIFA is planning the inaugural DIFA World Deaf Football Cup Australia 2027.
As part of this development program, DIFA intends to explore the creation of an Oceania Representative Team primarily made up of eligible players from Pacific Island countries and territories where a national Deaf football team has not yet been established.
The program may also engage players, officials and organisations from across the wider Oceania region to support development, knowledge sharing and future regional opportunities.
The objective is to identify and develop potential players with the aim of participating in the planned DIFA World Deaf Football Cup Australia 2027.
Participation will depend on player eligibility, sufficient interest, funding, team preparation, approvals and final tournament arrangements.
Submitting an Expression of Interest does not guarantee selection, funding, travel assistance or participation.
Who Can Register?
Expressions of Interest are open to people throughout Oceania and the Pacific Islands.
We want to hear from:
- Deaf and hard of hearing football and futsal players.
- Male, female, senior and youth players.
- Coaches and assistant coaches.
- Goalkeeping coaches.
- Referees.
- Team managers.
- Administrators.
- Sign language interpreters.
- Physiotherapists, doctors and sports trainers.
- Media and communications volunteers.
- Community volunteers.
- Football associations.
- Deaf and disability organisations.
- Football clubs, schools and community groups.
People who do not meet the player hearing eligibility requirement may still become involved as coaches, referees, interpreters, volunteers, officials or support staff.
Player Hearing Eligibility
In accordance with the DIFA Regulations, players must have a minimum hearing loss of 55 dB Pure Tone Average (PTA) in the better ear to compete in a DIFA-sanctioned international competition.
Eligibility must be confirmed through an official audiogram completed by a qualified audiologist.
People who are unsure whether they meet the requirement are still encouraged to register. Further eligibility information may be requested if they progress to the next stage.
Countries and Territories We Hope to Reach
The program aims to connect players, officials, organisations and supporters from throughout Oceania, including:
New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Cook Islands, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Nauru, Palau, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Niue, French Polynesia, New Caledonia and American Samoa.
People from other Pacific Island countries, territories and communities are also encouraged to register.
Register Your Interest
DIFA is currently gathering initial Expressions of Interest from potential players, coaches, officials, volunteers, organisations and community partners.
The short Stage 1 form asks for basic information and should only take a few minutes to complete.
People who progress may later be invited to provide more detailed information about their football experience, eligibility, travel availability and development interests.
Information submitted will be reviewed by authorised DIFA representatives and used for Oceania Deaf Football planning, development and communication purposes.
What Happens Next?
Stage 1 — Expression of Interest
Complete the short online form.
Stage 2 — Further Information
DIFA may contact suitable applicants or organisations for additional information.
Stage 3 — Identification and Development
Subject to sufficient interest, funding and approval, DIFA may organise meetings, assessments, development activities or a future identification camp.
Stage 4 — Representative Opportunities
Eligible players and suitable staff may be considered for future Oceania Deaf Football opportunities.
Important Notice
The Oceania Deaf Football Development Program is currently in its identification, consultation and planning stage.
The proposed Oceania Representative Team, development activities and possible participation in the DIFA World Deaf Football Cup Australia 2027 remain subject to eligibility, approval, funding, organisational capacity and final competition arrangements.
DIFA is engaged in ongoing discussions with FIFA regarding the future development of international Deaf football. No formal partnership or agreement has yet been officially announced.
No statement on this page should be interpreted as confirmation of a formal FIFA partnership, endorsement, funding arrangement or agreement. Any future formal partnership or agreement will be officially announced by DIFA.
