Women’s football in Seychelles continues to take important steps forward following the participation of the Seychelles Football Federation (SFF) in the FIFA Women’s Football Regional Workshop, held recently in Rabat, Morocco. The workshop brought together football leaders, technical experts, and federation representatives from across the CAF region to exchange knowledge, best practices, and strategic approaches for the development of the women’s game.
Representing Seychelles, Chris Yip-Au, Head of Women’s Football and Women’s National Team Head Coach, took part in the multi-day programme aimed at strengthening leadership capacity, technical understanding, and long-term planning within national football systems.
learning to strengthen the local game
One of the key themes of the workshop was understanding how leadership styles can influence programme development and team culture. This learning aligns closely with Seychelles’ current focus on building clear pathways and sustainable structures for female players.
The workshop reinforced how important leadership and clarity of purpose are when building women’s football in developing environments,”said Yip-Au. “It’s about making the best decisions for the players within the realities we face.”
Another major area of focus was the female athlete, with sessions emphasising that women’s football requires intentional, evidence-based approaches rather than being treated as a mirror of the men’s game.
A key takeaway was the reminder that women are not little men. Understanding the specific needs of female athletes is essential if we want to support performance, health, and long-term participation,” she added.
Regional growth and shared challenges
The workshop also provided insight into the rapid growth of women’s football across the CAF region. Despite differing contexts, many federations face similar challenges — including limited resources, access to competitions, and player exposure — making collaboration and knowledge-sharing vital.
Seeing the progress being made elsewhere has strengthened Seychelles’ belief in what is achievable with the right structures and long-term vision.
exposure to global standards
Beyond classroom sessions, the programme included a visit to the FIFA Regional Development Office in Rabat, offering participants a clearer understanding of the support mechanisms available to member associations. Attending the U17 Women’s World Cup third-place match and final also provided a valuable opportunity to observe global trends in youth development, match intensity, and player profiles.
These experiences will directly inform Seychelles’ approach to youth and senior national team planning, particularly as the federation continues to align grassroots development with elite performance goals.
Impact on Women’s Football in Seychelles
The knowledge gained from the workshop will contribute to:
– Refining player development pathways
– Improving coaching approaches tailored to female athletes
– Strengthening leadership and decision-making within the women’s programme
– Aligning local development with international best practices
“Opportunities like this help us ask better questions and make better decisions for the future of women’s football in Seychelles,” Yip-Au said. “It’s about translating global knowledge into local action.”
looking forward
The Seychelles Football Federation remains committed to investing in learning opportunities that support the sustainable growth of women’s football. Participation in FIFA-led programmes such as this workshop ensures that Seychelles continues to build capacity, raise standards, and create meaningful opportunities for girls and women across the football ecosystem.
