A groundbreaking partnership between the Vanuatu Football Federation and New Zealand’s Christchurch United Football Club promises to unlock new pathways for Pacific Island football talent.
Vanuatu Football Federation President Lambert Maltock signed a formal partnership agreement with Christchurch United over the weekend, marking a significant milestone for Vanuatu football development.
The partnership emerged after Maltock spent three days in Christchurch evaluating the club’s world-class facilities, including their state-of-the-art United Sport Centre and Residential Academy. During his visit, he also attended United’s Southern League match against Coastal Spirit and met with coaching staff to discuss collaboration opportunities.
Addressing the Development Gap
“Currently, Vanuatu has no pathway beyond its borders to help our young talented players pursue their dreams and unlock their potential,” Maltock explained. The VFF President believes this partnership will be transformative for Vanuatu’s football community.
Maltock was particularly impressed by Christchurch United’s professional approach and facilities, describing them as “the best he had seen in the Oceania region.” He expressed confidence that the partnership would “elevate our players’ performances to a higher level of competition” and help bridge the existing development gap for Vanuatu football.
Immediate Opportunities
The partnership will provide immediate opportunities for Vanuatu’s top talent. Vanuatu international Jordy Tasip, who has 10 caps for his country and enjoyed a season with Auckland City in 2023, will be among the first to benefit. He will be joined by Vanuatu Golden Boot winner Walter Leoru, a accomplished goalkeeper in regional and national leagues.
Both players are expected to arrive in Christchurch in the coming days, pending visa approval, to train with Christchurch United’s first team.
Additionally, two of Vanuatu’s most promising young talents have been invited to join the club’s Residential Football Academy, where they will train in a professional environment while continuing their education in New Zealand.
Comprehensive Development Program
The partnership extends beyond player exchanges. Christchurch United’s coaching staff will share their expertise both online and through in-person visits, while Vanuatu youth teams will become regular participants in the Christchurch International Cup.
United President Slava Meyn emphasized the club’s commitment to the partnership: “We are honoured by the VFF President spending so much time to get to know our club and our city, and we are excited about this partnership to create pathways for footballers in Vanuatu.”
The coaching knowledge-sharing component will help develop local expertise in Vanuatu, while the regular tournament participation will provide valuable international experience for young Pacific Island players.
Educational Component
A key aspect of the partnership focuses on combining football development with education. The selected Vanuatu talents will have access to advanced educational opportunities in New Zealand, helping them develop both on and off the field.
Maltock noted that the partnership would help elite players “undertake better training with better facilities as well as attending advance education to help enhance their potentials on and off the field.”
As part of his visit, Maltock also toured Ao Tawhiti Unlimited Discovery, where the young footballers will continue their education, and visited the new One New Zealand Stadium currently under construction.
Building Vanuatu Football
This partnership represents a significant step forward for Vanuatu football development, providing a concrete pathway for talented players to access professional-level training and competition while maintaining their educational development.
The initiative demonstrates the VFF’s commitment to creating opportunities for its players on the international stage, with Maltock describing the partnership as “a dream come true for his country’s football community.”
For more information about the partnership, contact Ryan Edwards at +64 22 3022029.
