World Footy News

AFL Vanuatu is hoping to build on early encouraging momentum. As reported previously, the village of Erakor is getting right behind them. AFL Vanuatu will be holding a registration day soon, aimed at getting more kids involved and playing on an oval with permanent Australian footy goal posts.

Planning ahead, AFL Vanuatu are aiming to get a full squad together for the next instalment of the Oceania U16 championships. And while Vanuatu was listed earlier as interested in the International Cup – the reality is that their short term ambition on that front would be whether a couple of the older players could be included in some form of combined side.

Justin Johnson paid tribute to the AFL for the support so far, the AFL having “committed a lot of equipment resources and we are hugely appreciative of their efforts. "Cadz (AFLPNG Asia/Pacific manager Andrew Cadzow) in Brisbane clearly understands the challenges ahead for us and has been an incredible help."
However, any other help via resources and money would be gratefully accepted. For any footy and AFL clubs interested in helping out, whether via used training balls, boots, jumpers etc, contact Justin Johnson (Justin@mooringsvanuatu.com), and he can arrange shipping at no cost to the clubs.

Obviously, getting teams to international tournaments can be a heavy cash burden. AFL Vanuatu are looking to establish an arrangement with Air Vanuatu, however, getting players to Australia and further afield is a challenge.

Justin also extends the invitation for clubs to consider touring to Vanuatu, whether a pre-season or post season footy trip, combined with some instructional footy and coaching/clinics. “The AWESOME feeling that club players will get if they take a junior development day in a remote village somewhere would more than make it all worthwhile.”

Justin does point out that he perhaps has a vested interest, he owns the two biggest nightclubs in Vanuatu. He also recommends the marlin fishing.