In an attempt to strengthen youth development and women empowerment in soccer, the Vanuatu Football Federation (VFF) officially launched the National Youth Championship yesterday at the Freswota School main hall.
The VFF and Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) President, Lambert Maltock, in his opening remarks said that the championship was the first in this scale.
Relating to past challenges, the VFF President said it is time the country promotes the standard and level of soccer to another stage. President Maltock said the VFF National Youth League is a strategy for VFF, in preparing Vanuatu for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“FIFA has come up with the incentive of ensuring that OFC will have 2 spots in the FIFA World Cup in 2026. The Oceania Nations Cup winner will qualify directly into the World Cup and the runner up will play against Asia to finalize its qualification. The strategy VFF and OFC are using seeks to ensure OFC teams advance into the 2026 world cup qualifications,” said President Maltock.
He also mentioned that VFF will also establish Football Academy for its 8 Member Associations. Mr Maltock said that it is to ensure that our players are fit always but more importantly, being able to scout for players effectively to represent the county at the national level.
President Maltock said that such initiatives taken by VFF addresses player scouting and further ensures player marketing within and outside of the region.
2020 UEFA Promotional Tournament
Maltock confirmed that the U-16 champion will be selected to participate in the 2020 UEFA Promotional Tournament alongside the New Caledonia U-16 champion. He said the idea is part of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) in promoting and strengthening Oceania youth teams for World cup qualifications.
He also mentioned the recent UEFA U-19 Promotional tournament which saw India and Estonia participating as well in Port Vila, is a step forward to achieve such incentives.
Before concluding his speech, the VFF President further emphasised on some of OFC’s plans in addressing the soccer development within the Oceania region. He also took the opportunity to congratulate all players participating in the tournament all the best in their games. He said it is not about winning or losing, but to display your skills to its very best.
The Director General to the Ministry of Youth and Sports development, Henry Vira remarked on the soccer industry in Vanuatu, adding that this tournament is a step forward. He also mentioned some of the Ministry’s plans in addressing and empowering youth in sports towards the coming years. DG Vira further wished all players all the best in their tournament and to enjoy their time in Port Vila as well. DG Vira officially launched the tournament before guests were treated to a light refreshment.
The tournament will begin today (Wednesday) at the national Academy in Teouma.
The article is published by Vanuatu Daily Post dated 20.11.2019
